The Washington times., 1932-01-26
CHAPTER XIV

4IlC U1S AhONhAS 'NAA "SNS
up to the alley entrance Of the
North Side National Bank. Two
huskies, attired in overalls and
hatless, muscled out the last
article of office furniture-a
desk. When they hoisted it
over the tailgate, into the van,
they both pulled a long breath
and wiped their foreheads.
Must be solid oak" one of
them said.
Certainly was heavy" de-
=. clared the other.
Sergt. Ed Fitzpatrick was
leaning against the rear of the
truck. When the desk was
loaded he watched narrowly.
.' well, where do we go from
here?" asked the first man.
Take a little time out to
get your wind" said Ed.
There's a speak-cordial shop
right around the corner. I'll
watch the truck and when you
have a beer bring me back a
container. I'm a little dry"
That listen good to me-"
said the man who had asked
the question. Ed dug in his
pocket and pulled out a dollar.
''Take your time-I'm goin' to
have a smoke"
The two men Shuffled off,
while Ed lighted a cigarette.
Two other men, also attired in
overalls, we're playing catch in
the alley. One of them was
standing with his back to Ed
while the other was about
twenty-five yards away, near
the entrance. Ed listlessly
watched them as they tossed
the ball back and forth.
Tom and Mac
But other eyes were watch
ing, too. In a doorway just
across the alley from the bank
entrance were Tom and Mac,
standing behind a dust-be-
grimed door. Macs own road
Ster was sitting just around
the corner. He had brought it
because he would take no
chances on police squad car
in case there were sharp eyes
looking for surprises.
Strangely enough, Mac and
Tom had parked the car but
five minutes and gotten into
the vestibule of the deserted
house, at the front entrance,
" when another car drew up. Sit
ting at the wheel was Mike
Cholo. He had let the ball
players out two blocks away.
Those two ball players look
phoney to me-" said Mac.
"Yeah-what are two guys
dressed like that doing III this
bank alley?-there'S no place
for them to work." seconded
Tom.
Just then the man closest to
Ed missed the ball, which rolled
almost to the very feet of the
detective. Ed did not make an
attempt to pick it up, out stood
still watching the man as he
came for it.
Good God! Look!" cried
Tom. The two detectives saw
the man, just as he got in
front of Ed, whip out black
jack and strike Ed on the head
with it. Ed dropped with a
groan.
The other man had run up
to the truck, jerked himself
into the drivers seat and had
the engine running. His COM
panion leaped up beside MIN.
With a roar the big truck shot
out the alley. tipping dizzily as
1t cut the corner, two wheels
over the sidewalk.
Both Mac and Tom had
grabbed for the knob and their
revolverS, but before they had
time to shoot the truck had
disappeared.
Quick Plans
AS they ran for the corner,
Mac cried:
What about Ed?-better see
about himl"
mo 10 let's get those
Skunks-the truckman will find
Ed" painted Tom. When they
gained the roadster, car in
the rear of their own had Just
backed up, cut out and started
in the direction of the fast
disappearing truck.
Did you see that guy?" ex-
claimed Mac, jumping into his
car.
"Yeah-he looked familiar to
me-" said Tom.
Looked like Mike Cholo!"
Damned if it didn't-come
to think of it,
, -