Henderson daily dispatch., 1939-04-03
CONVICT DAUGHTER
m
WUMTRAP PRESS ~ n
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

WHEN Iona screamed to Jim
to stop Clark from jumping into
the overhaul net, Jim was quick to
take advantage of the diversion she
had created. Like a flash his fist
went out and connected with the
jaw of the workman who was lift
ing the flag that was the signal
for Clark's jump. Weak as Jim
was from his recent injury, the flag
sagged in it's upward swing and
he grabbed it as it fell.
play out that Slack" he ordered
the man at the post, who looked at
him, amazed. I'm giving orders
now. What's the matter, are you
paralyzed? Play out that slack!"
The fellow still stared uncertain
ly. Behind them the crowd surged
forward, and someone began to call
for policeman. With a quick
movement Jim pushed aside the
workman and began tugging at the
post with his own hands.
Listen, you" The fellow he had
hit came at him then with a rush.
What in hell do you think this is !?
Will you get out of here or will I
throw you out ?"
'I'm not going to see Clark MUIR
dered," Jim whipped back at him,
and Iona screamed again as the
man lifted his fist suddenly for a
blow. Jim whirled just in time, and
a blue-coated policeman stepped
between the two of them.
ARREST him." the fellow yelled.
Get him outa here. He's a nut!
Thinks he's the boss or somethin'."
you've got to listen to me, Off
cer!" Jim's face was so white Iona
was afraid he might faint. His eyes
were pleading. I'm trying to keep
them from making a mistake.
They'll kill Martin if they let him
jump at this tension. know, tell
you"
"He's the guy that's been in the
hospital. That crack on his head
musta set him nuts. Get him outa
here, will you, so we can go on
with this test. Clark's waitin'-"
Better beat it, fellow" the po-
liceman ordered good naturedly.
'"These boys must know what
they're doing. Come on, don't
want to arrest you. Stand back,
now"
IT tell you it's murder! You've
got to listen to me-" Jim's fists
were doubled into white knots, his
eyes were hunted-looking now.
"Send somebody up and get Clark
down here" he begged. Hell tell
you I'm right"
CLARK gave us the word TO go
ahead. Come on, now. Get outa
here" The man with the flag, Sc
cure in the policeman's presence.
swelled again with Importance. He
showed Jim back suddenly, and
again lifted his hand to signal the
drummers.
For a moment Jim hesitated, and
Iona could see him steeling himself
for what had to be done. He looked
her Way. his face white as chalk.
There was pleading in that glance,
as if. he were begging her forgive
ness.
you've got to listen to mew He
clutched at the policeman's arm
and there was a new note in his
voice that froze the group about
him to attention. "I know what I'm
talking about. I'm Jim Rankini +
saw a man killed in one of these
nets before-out in Colorado. I'm
Rankin, l tell you! Rankin!
Does that mean anything to YOU ?"
H.There was silence for a moment.
and Iona shut her eyes, unable to
bear the sight of the reaction that
must come. This, then, was the
end of everything. All her plans.
all her worries. He'd go to prison!
She'd be alone.
"Rankin!" The policeman found
his voice, finally. ''Who the hell
you mean you're the guy-Ran-
kim" He stared as recognition
came to him.
Rankin" The men about him
took up the name. Hes Rankin.
The guy that's Notwithstanding"
There's too much tension on
that net" Jim kept to the point.
Hell bounce and break his neck.
It's got to be played out"
He strode to the guy post and
the men about it fell back respect
fully. They stared at him as he