Arkansas State press., 1942-08-21

Would the fire burn If he did
not shake the ashes down? He re
membered the last time he had
tried and how hysterical he had
felt. He must do better than this.
He stopped and touched the handle
of the ash bin an he knew that he
would not be able to endure it,
He jerked upright and, dashed by
fiery whips of fear and guilt,
backed hurriedly to the door. For
the life Of him, he could not bring
himself to shake those ashes. But
did it really matter? No he tried
to console himself with the
thoughts that he was safe. No
one would look into the bin. Why
should they? No one suspected
him; things were going along
smoothly; he would be able to
send the kidnap note ard get
the money without bothering about
the ashes and before anyone dis
covered that Mary was dead in
the fire. Then he went into the
driveway, through the falling snow
to the street. He had to see Bes-
sic at once; the kidnap note had
to be sent right away; there was
no time to lose. If Mr.. Dalton,
Britten or Peggy missed him and
asked him where he had been, he
would say that he had CONT out
to get a package of cigarettes.
But with all Of the excitement, no
one would probably think Of him.
And they were after Jan now, he
was safe. Bigger"
He stopped, whirled, his hand
reaching inside Of his shirt for his
gun. He saw Jan standing in the
doorway of a store. AS Jan came
forward Bigger backed away. Jan
stopped, "For Chrissakes! Don't
be afraid Of me, am not going
to hurt YOU" In the pale yellow
sheen Of the street lamp they faced
each other, huge wet flakes of
snow floated down slowly forming
delicate screen between them.
Bigger had his hand on the inside
Of his shirt on his gun. Jan stood
staring, his mouth open.
"What's all this about. Bigger?
! haven't done anything to you,
have l? Where's Nary"
Begged felt guilty; JAMS pres
ence condemned him. Yet he knew
OF no way to atone for his guilt;
he felt that he had to- act as he was
acting. 81 don't want to talk to
you," he mumbled. "But what have
l done to your" Jan asked despe-
rately. His fingers frightened about
the gun. II don't want to talk to
you" he said again.
He felt that if Jan continued to
stand there and make him feel
this awful sense Of guilt; he would
have to shoot him in spite Of him
self. He began to tremble, all
over; his lips parted and his eyes
widened. go away" Bigger said.
''Listen, Bigger, if these people
are bothering You, just tell me.
Don't be scared. I'm use to this
sort Of thing. Listen, now. Let's
talk this thing over and 70 some
where and get a cup of coffee.
Jan came forward again and
Bigger drew his gun. Jan stopped;
his face whittened,
"For Gods sake, man! What re
you doing? Don't shoot. have done
nothing to you. Don't. ;"
"Leave me alone.' Bigger said,
his voice tense and hysterical,
"Leave me alonel Leave me alone
Jan hacked away from him.
'Leave me alone!" Bigger's voice
rose to a scream.
Jan backed farther away, then
turned and walked rapidly off,
looking back over his shcuSier
When he reached the corner he
ran through the snow, and out
Of sight. Bigger stood still the gun
In hand. He had utterly forgotten,
where he was; his eyes were sill
riveted on that point in space
where he had last seen JAMS re-
treating form. The tension In him
sIacksned md he lowered the