Evening star., 1937-06-20
THIS WEEK

preaching footsteps. He Strengthened.
caught up the gun from the floor at his
side. crouched, waiting as he clicked
off the flashlight with his free hand.
Pats gun was out of the holster. He
never remembered afterward pulling
it. For a moment longer he hesitated.
He knew that it was too late to warn
John. In another moment his older son
would be at the entrance, another
moment and the younger boy before
the safe would be shooting at his
brother
1t was dark in the little Office now
that the flashlight was out, but not so
dark that Pat could not see the blurred
form against the farther wall. Even as
he looked. John reached the door. The
man within Strengthened slightly. but
before he could squeeze the trigger.
Pats heavy service gun roared.
He had not missed. He almost wished
he had There was a muffled cry
from within. The safe-cracker's gun
exploded as he fell but the bullet did
not crash against the door glass. 1t
ploughed into the floor as the man
went down.
Pats arm dropped he leaned against
the building. Suddenly he felt very.
very old. very tired.
Johns shoulder crashed against the
Office door. John was in the room
switching up the lights. Gun in hand.
he shot quick glance at the huddled
form beside the safe. then he charged
across to the window "Dadr'
Pat shook himself slightly. holstered
his gun. Hello. John" He managed
to make his voice casual. you should
be more careful. That that mug
might have gotten you.
John nodded. Il know it." He
grinned embarrassedly. But didn't
expect trouble. A bunch of kids have
been playing around this lot at night.
When l saw the light in the office l
thought they'd broken in. just came
over to shoe them out Wonder who
it was?" He turned and went back
across the room.
Pat pushed up the broken sash.
crawled through. He tried to speak.
to warn John, but his vocal cords re-
fused to work. He watched mutely as
John paused, stirred the still figure
with the blunt toe of his heavy shoe.
then stopped, caught the shoulder and
turned the body.
MY Godr John let the body 60
and twisted startled face toward his
father. Dad Dad Do you
know who you shot?"
Pat bowed his head. He was still
unable to speak. then his voice came
back as suddenly as it had left. His
words were steady, without hint Of the
emotion which filled his giant frame:
Il know"
John stared at him. YOU'RE funny
one. Don't you realize what you've
done?"
Pat nodded. Il know. son. But
had to, had to shoot. He'd have gotten
you the minute you came through
that door,"
"I'll say he would" Johns voice
had a husky sound. But you certainly
take things calmly. When l get my
break, when get chance at promo
ton, I'll be hell of lot more excited
than you are"
Pat blinked. Promotion! What are
you talking about?"
John said, grinning suddenly. "You
never thought of that. did you? 1t
never entered your hard old head that
you're as good as lieutenant right
now. Maybe they might skip that and
step you up to captain right away.
The Chief wanted Killer Burns. He
wanted him bad, but he wanted worse
to beat the G-men to it,"
Pat was staring. Are you nuts!
Killer Burns! What do you mean?'
John said: Hes over there by the
safe, all that's left of him. The great
Killer Burns, the nations public
enemy" His tone held nothing but