The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-07-21

OH, hIO, we SOt d gun now. The living room was still de-
 serted. They stepped out on the 1 porch, looking toward the north where, near the end of the long narrow island, the hangar nestled beside the inlet. From the direc- tion of the hangar, came a short
 figure, making no effort at con-
 cealment.
 1 The sound of voices could Le iheard from the westerly corner of 1.-the porch. The footsteps of two imen crunched through the saw fgrass and the sand. Those would ,be Ashwood and Emory, Jerry de- lcided, returning from their stroll iThe flyer crouched a little, sensing Ian approaching crisis. The three iwalking men would reach the steps of the porch simultaneously. He felt Stevens arm brush against his side and heard the faint metallic click of safety catch. He could 1; see the cripples white hair, now, IalmoSt within reach from the porch rail. Suddenly the two strollers stopped. The white head turned toward the oncoming figure. Who is that?" Ashwood in- quired idly curious.
 Its me, Lucci."
 Have you forgotten that I told you to remain in your room at night?"
 Stevens, on hands and knees, crept toward the rail, Jerry close by his side.
 "Aw, to hell with you and your orders" snarled Lucci. Stick 'em up, quick I'm covering you and aching to drill you both!"
 You are indiscreet Lucci,' the cripple told him coldly, Have you forgotten my guards with their machine guns?"
 Not by a damn sight," retorted the gangster They're my guards now! Since you're fading outa the picture they're joining my mol starting now Listen Limpy, eith- CT you're joining up with me, or I'm going to bump you off, here and now, see?" His voice was mal- ignant.
 Jerry had no doubt that he would carry out his threat. Drop your gun, One-shot!"
 Stevens did not raise his voice but the effect of the words was almost magical. Ashwood and Elm ory jumped in surprise. There was a crimson, spurt from Lucci's automatic. The bullet spatted be- tween the two crouching men on the porch. The gangster, with a curse, turned and ran at full speed toward the hangar, zigzagging and dodging behind the slender trunks of the palms as he continued his i precipitate flight through the dark ness. Ashwoods gun famed once, !, twice.
 Better cut it, Limpy" said the detective calmly. You need all your cartridges. Wish you coulc get my old revolver from the fel- Ter who frisked me. These new fangled automatics are always jam ming at the wrong time!"
 His voice was mildly regretful ] as he fused with the instrument | in his hand. The cripple gazed | at the porch.
 And they say there's no San ty Claus he marveled.
 Better come up here and let's | talk it over" suggested the old 1 man casually
 The screen door squeaked on it's hinges. Jerry spun around, his quivering, tensed for sud- den action. Then he relaxed It was Alfred. the steward. He glanc- ed at the two vigilant men.
 Beg pardon, sir he bowed, m frown on his usually ex- pressionless forehead. T was look ing for MT Ashwood, sir"
 Here I am Alfred" called the limping up the steps what is it2"
 Sir, I must tell you that the other servants have all gone down to the hangar. I'm afraid there is trouble, sir. Here is a revolver. You will need it soon. I think"