The tribune independent of Michigan., 1935-05-04
DEADLINE
by ALMA BEAN LOVING

We've been trying all day to
get In touch with you. but 1t seems
our police commissioner is mighty
hard to find"
Manton caught the sarcasm.
Never mind the introduction.
What do you want"
I'VE have come to ask you to put
a stop to the mistreatmnt OF men,
bers of our race. not not only are
we asking you but"
But what Manton's voice was
sharp.
I'VE demand IT," Kent brought
his face close to Manton's
Think you can intimidate me?"
I'VE are merely stating wha.
must be done. that's ALL"
And what do you. or your as
sociates intend to do in case I
don't close to obey your orders?"
Manton was ready to call halt
on Parker's public activities. but.
to have a Negro tell him what TO
do was too much.
Kent smiled broadly. Manton
was forcing the issue and kent
was having the time OF his life
batting him on.
Well" drawled. II have some
thing Reed O'Conner, the attorney
general. would like to peruse." and
Kent brought the copy OF the Clar-
ion from his pocket and held It up.
AT the sight OF the large, black
headlines. Manton jumped from his
chair and made a grab for the
paper. Kent snatched IL back with
a laugh.
Not so fast. Mr.. Blevens. OF
course we have plenty more cop
les. but IL happens have only this
one with me-
At the sound OF the name Bile
vens. Parker sprang forward. but
Joe stepped in his path.
Better stay where you were,
Mr.. Parker"
Parker's eyes narrowed omin-
ously.
We'll. commissioner? mocked
Kent. in low. even tones.
Manton realizing he was trap
ped. was thinking rapidly. II he let
Parker go ahead II would do no
good IL these Negro sheets got on
the street. II he could talk turkey
with the Negroes Parker would
spill the beans Just the same. Man
ton saw the hand writing on the
wall. but he was no coward. He
was determined TO fight. His prouo
Nordic blood refused to parley
with a group OF Negroes.
I'm going to fight" said Man.
ton. vindictively.
Kents smile faded and he
Strengthened up. Parker pushed
Joe aside.
Arrest that Niger. Manton.' for
that Burr Street affair"
Manton moved forward.
There was a flash as Kents one
good arm shot out like rapier. II
landed with a sunging blow on
the commissioners nose.
Manton reached for his gun.
Again Kent's fist made dart and
Manton went down just as he
drew his gun. Joe's foot went out.
kicking the gun from Manton's
hand. Parker his face white with
fright. made dash for the door.
Kent blocked him with sharp
slap OF his hand.
Manton stumbled up from the
floor. trying to reach for the tele-
phone.
Kent gave the table a shove that
dislodged the connection wires and
firmly placed his fist again on
Manton's nose which was now
bleeding profusely. Manton rolled
ovr and tried unsuccessfully to
rase.
Kent picked up the commission
ers gun.
Come on Joe, this is too tame.
We've got more work TO do"
AS they rushed for the door.
Manton reached out and his hand
closed over an ink well. II sailed
through the air and Joe went
down, ink trickling down his face.
Quick Joe mumbled. Don't
wait for me. Kent. Beat it. I'll be
all right" and he fell over un-
concious.
Kent gave n sorrowful look at
Joe's PROSTATE form and ran from
the office. As he closed the door
his finger touched the safety lock
Good" and he snapped II, THAT
will delay matters second or So"
He tried TO walk out OF the
in a nonchalant manner.
so as not to attract attention.
"Its a lucky thing this is an old
and the walls are thick"
he said To himself as he reached |
the curb. climbed in his car and |
started for the Clarion office.
Joe. hope its all right. Don't |
let anything happen to old joe"
he prayed.
Hess was standing In the door |
Of the office as Kent drove up.