Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1942-01-24

knife.
IF he makes us miss this job, I'll
fix i'm, SO help me-" Bigger said.
He oughtn't be late. Every
time somebody's late, things go
wrong Look at the big guys. You
don't ever hear of them being late,
do you? Nav! They work like
clocks!
Amt none of lis got more guts'n
Gus" G.. H. said. Hes been with
us every time"
Jaw, shut your trap" Bigger said.
There you go again, Bigger" @.
II. said. Gus was just talking about
how you act this morning. You get
too nervous when something's COM
ing off
Don't tell me I'm nervous" Big
ger said.
IF we don't do it today, we can
do it tomorrow" Jack said.
'TomorroW'S Sunday, fooli'
Bigger, for Chrissakesl Don't
holler!" Jack said tensely.
Bigger looked at Jack hard and
long, then turned away with a
grimmace.
Don't tell the world what we're
trying TO do Jack whispered in a
modifying tone.
Bigger walked to the front of the
store and stood looking out Of the
plate glass window. Then, sudden
ly, he felt sick. He saw Gus coming
along the street And his muscles
stiffened. He was going to do some
thing to Gus; just what, he did not
know. AS Gus neared he heard him
whistling: 1.-THE Merry Go-Round
Broke Down . - The door swung
| in.
Hi, Bigger" Gus said.
Bigger did not answer. Gus pass
ed him and started toward the rear
tables. Bigger whirled and kicked
him hard. Gus Topped on his face
with a single movement of his body.
With a look that showed that he
was looking at Gus on the floor and
at Jack and c. H. at the rear table
and at Doc-looking at them all
at once in a kind of smiling, rowing,
| turning slowly glance = Bigger
laughed, softly at first, then hard
er, louder, Historically; feeling
something like hot water bubbling
inside of him and trying to come
out. Gus got up and stood, quiet
his mouth open and his eyes dead
black with hate.
take it easy boys" Doc said
looking up from behind his counter
and then bending over again.
What you kick me for?" Gus
asked.
"'Cause I wanted to-" Bigger said
Gus looked at Bigger with lower
ed eyes. G.. H. and Jack leaned on
their cue sticks and watched silent
| ly.
I'm going to fix you one of these
days." Gus threatened.
Say that again." Bigger said.
Doc laughed, Strengthened and
looking at Bigger.
Lay O1l ollC JOy5 DlSSCi
Gus turned and walked toward
the rear tables. Bigger, with an
amazing bound, grabbed him in the
back of his collar.
II asked you to say that again!"
Quit, Biggerl" Gus spluttered
checking, sinking to his knees.
Don't tell me to quit!"
I IS La
tightening lunge and he saw his
fist come down on the side of
Gus head; he had struck him
really before he was conscious of
doing so.
Don't hurt 'im," Jack said.
It'll kill 'im," Bigger said through
shut teeth, Tightening his hold on
Gus collar, checking him harder.
"T-turn m-m-m-me l-l-loose, >
Gus gurgled, struggling.
make mel" Bigger said, drawing
his fingers tighter
Gus was very still, resting on his
knees. Then, like taut bow find
ing release, he sprang to his feet
shaking loose from Bigger and turn
ing to get away. Bigger staggered
back against the wall, breathless fol
a moment. Bigger's hand movee
SO swiftly that nobody saw it.
cleaning blade flashed. He made
long step, as graceful as an anima
leaping, threw out his left foot ant
tripped Gus TO the floor. Gus turn
ed over to rise. but Bigger was oil
top of him, with the knife opel
and ready.
Get upl Get up and I'll sic
your tonsils!"
Gus lay still.
That's all right, Bigger" Gu
said in surrender. "Lemme up.'
You trying TO make fool out @
me. amt your"
Nav" Gus said, his lips scarce
ly moving.
You damn right you amt" Big
ger said.
His face softened at bit and til
| hard CLINT in his bloodshot evt
died. But he still knelt with tt