to spring.

* * * * *

Drake's face was suddenly cold, emotionless.

"If your men weren't ready to shoot me down the minute I move," he
said slowly, "I'd pound you within an inch of your rotten life."

Lardner's face lighted slowly and a sardonic grin crossed his face.

"Talk big, play boy," he urged. "I don't need lead to put you out of
the way."

Drake's slim body shot forward with the suddenness of a catapult. His
shoulders were low as they struck Lardner's thick belly. Caught off
guard, Lardner's heavy, ape arms twisted about Jim's waist and he
started to crush Drake's body against his own. With a quick twist
Drake was loose, dodging backward as a light left caught Lardner on
the chest. Lardner jumped in quickly, puffing hard. His right arm
swept out and brought blood to Drake's nose.

The slim air cadet shook his head, feeling the sting on his face. He
brushed an arm across his nose, and felt warm blood on his fingers.
This time Drake went in low, caught Lardner with his left hand just
above the belt. The big man bent over with a grunt as Drake's right
climbed under his chin like a looping Spitfire. Jim Drake's right fist
went home with the entire impact of his shoulder behind it. He felt a
twinge of pain shoot through his arm as Lardner's head swept backward
with a jerk. The fat man stumbled and sat down abruptly. He looked
surprised and frightened, shaking his head back and forth like an
angry bull.

"You dirty...." Lardner didn't attempt to rise. His face was flaming
red. "Shoot the legs out from under him."

A tommy came up swiftly, trained on Drake.

"Hold it!" A harsh, almost frightened voice came from the shadows by
the wall.

Puffy Adams stood, back to the granite, sweeping a tommy gun around on
the gang of men. His trigger finger was poised easily, the gun slung
carelessly in the curve of his arm. His voice, frightened for Drake,
became cool as he saw the last gun drop toward the floor.

"One shot," he said, "and I'll poke enough lead into your boss to keep
you rats from ever flying anywhere again."

Drake was at his side now.

"How did you manage it?" he whispered.

"Black-jack," Puffy grinned. "They were interested in you. It wasn't
hard."

* * * * *

George Lardner was frightened. The tommy gun was aimed at his head and
he knew Puffy Adams wouldn't hesitate when the time came to shoot. He
sat up slowly, eyes on the pai