Evening star., 1932-01-24
One ofThe Star
NagazineS Com
bIete Fnst-Run
Stories
WiHAbpearNext
Sunday.

IN the private Office of Calahan's Arcade
Health Emporium high above the turmoil
of Michigan boulevard. tFo men glared at
each other with the ftBnkness of so years
of unbroken friendship.
Messy" Callahan's chair groaned under
his enormous bulk as he leaned back to survey
through narrowed eyes the thin little runt OF
man Iounging in a big leather chair shiny
desk width away from him.
Sure I want to handle champion Duffy
But what's that got to do with this college guy
you're boostin' so high7 What's his name?
Crane"
THAT'S right. Crane, Ken Crane, and I'm
telling you the boys fighter"
yeah? A fighter"
"Yeah Listen. Duffy" Callahan moved for
ward dropped his elbows the desk and
anchored gnarled fingers in his thin gray mar.
He may be fighter but never champion;
no college man ever was. II amt In EN-
Theyu die for dear old Hoozis while the pen
nants are wavin' and the cheers are roln
but put 'em inside ropes with another gor1la
with the crowd demandin' its bucket O. blood
an-well, Mike, they just amt there
With fine disregard for the inch-thick rug
that covered the floor, Duffy ficked the ash
from his cigar.
'Very we'll Messy" he announced gravely
"You're not as keen about handling cham
pion as thought you were. Ill see Plltsky
He'll steer Crane into the title in year or
two But I'll give you a chance to think 1t
over tonight. IL lldNt SldiiC SOAiC ofSA an
another tryout tomorrow"
Callahan leaped to his feet as Duffy rose
aifiy.
say" he exploded, what's this guy to you
anyhow that you're tryin' to ram him down
my throat?"
know him from Adam. But he may be a head
ache to you If I run into Plitsky before you
make up your mind"
NUFFY didn't run into Plitsky. He didn't
- intend to run into him. He knew that
the one big thing in Callahans life was to
produce champion. Well, he had given the
tip. He had planted the seed. Now keep
away from Callahan and let it grow
Six months later he dropped into Callahan's
Office. Callahan greeted him casually and
slumped back into his chair.
"Well?" Duffy asked sharply. What about
Crane? I've followed the newspapers for the
last six months and haven't a word
about him"
"And neither you will
~Why not?"
Because he amt Crane. He's the Blond
Beauty"
The Blond Beauty?" Duffy's eyes snapped
"What do you mean, Mossy?"
Callahan leaned forward his face grim. His
thin lips twisted in bitter smile as he plunged
into blistering account of Cranes refusal to
decision to fight nowhere except in small clubs
too obscure to rate write-ups or pictures in
the newspapers Duffy listened attentively.
There must be something back of all that"
he interposed Loyalty when Callahan paused
for breath
Sure there is" Callahan snorted, ''the girl
Her family came over in the Mayfiower. Her
old man owns half dozen banks and rail-
roads Prizefghtin' Is low an if she saw his
name and picture in the papers the future
Mrs Crane would be somebody else or nobody
at all
NOISY asked Duffy, "how about the other
side? Can Crane fight? Can you make
champ out of him?"
The old fighter turned slowly to face Duffy.
His bitterness gave way to enthusiasm.
Can he fght?" he echoed, his voice heavy
with tribute. Mike, it's a shame. He's got
everything Size, speed brains and always in
condition. The best left I've seen in years
and right that'd floor an OK. And clever
But it don't mean thing. He won't use em.
except the cleverness- all on account OF
woman"
Don't be hard on him for that Mossy,'
Duffy admonished gently. eff Molly hadn't
made you quit after the Destroyer whipped
you twice you'd nave fought yourself into
sanitarium
"She stood by on the way up"
"She did Messy, like tns thoroughbred she
was And if this girl understood perhaps she'd
stand by Crane"
Certainly she would" roared Callahan.
"And he'd be we'll rid OF her if she turned
him down just because he's a scrapper.
Fightin is better than stackin' fives and tens
in bank for $40 week. Take look at this"
Callahan jerked open drawer Of the desk
and passed a sheet of yellow paper to Duffy.
There's a chance for Crane to go some
where-hve Thousand for . 12-round semi