Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

SEC. C—PAGE 6—The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C. Dec. 26th, 1968 ANNUNCIATION... Thto carving comet from the far* away island of Balt Done by Wojan S. Jonathan, it was carved on native Philippine mahogany, the outlines burned in black and the work then coated with lacquer. By Mike Bennett Patrolman Sean O’Casey stood at rigid attention, doing his best to meet the unswer ving gaze of his captain. "And, let me tell you, O’Casey, the commissioner is on my back. I want him off. The "Masqueraders” have pul led more jobs in your area than anywhere else in town. If they get away with one more I’H demote you to. . . I’ll demote you. . .” "Captain. . .” "Don’t captain me, O’Casey. Just get out there and do your job. No coffee at Pietro’s, no more watching sandlot foot ball games, no visiting around. Get out there on your beat and pound it, with your eyes open. "Right, Captain. The Mas queraders won’t strike in my area again. I’ll be alert.” He passed Pietro’s without even looking in. He heard the kids in the vacant lot calling to him, but he gave them only an official wave of his hand. O’Casey was on the job. O’Casey was on the move. On patrol. Just let them try some thing. Just let them try. OBSERVING Forgetting himself for a mo ment, O’Casey took his usual position at the corner of Mad ison and Oak and nonchalantly watched Christmas shoppers hurrying hither and yon. Lots of folks out, as might be ex pected. It was the day before Christmas and only a few shop ping hours remained. Surely, O’Casey said to him self, the Masqueraders wouldn’t strike on Christmas Eve. Or, would they? After all this would be one of the biggest selling days of the year for merchants. The Union Hank was remaining open until the stores closed. What better time? Mama Pietro looked up from the cash register. "Well, if it isn’t the smiling Irishman himself. Thought you might be mad at us or something." "Not you. Mama. Never. It’s just that the Captain has the heat on, and. . .” "Eh, the Masqueraders,eh?" "He thinks they will strike somewhere today '' "Abusing the Christmas? Right they should be caught and punished. 'Thieves should vacation during the holy season.” "We catch 'em, Mama, they vacation for a long time.” O’Casey took nis coffee to a table where he could sit and observe outside activity through the big front window. He drank a second cup, was beginning a third when Cap tain Connors came in the front door. "All right, O’Casey. You were warned. 1 told you. . .” "Captain, would you like to capture the Masqueraders? What a Christmas present for the commissioner!” FILL IN The captain sat down. Casey raised his cup to his lips, but he didn’t drink. He kept right on talking. "Across the street, directly in front of the Union Bank there is a Santa Claus. He wasn’t there this morning and there hasn’t been a Santa at that spot all week. He’s a 'ringer’. Watch the street and you will see two men in a green panel truck cruising round ana round the block. The truck is lettered "Ace Package Delivery” —but there’s no such business in town. Your 'Masqueraders’ are getting ready to hit the bank.” Captain Connors gulped his coffee, leisurely walked out to his cruiser and drove away. Once up the street, he radioed to nearby patrol cars. As the story goes, it was a typ ical cops and robbers finish. The squad cars arrived just in time. Later, over an after-hours cup of coffee at Pietro’s, the captain asked, ’’ How did you get on to the, Sean?” "Easy as apple pie,” O’ Casey said. " The Santa real ly aroused my curiosity when I saw him take the money folks donated out of the pot and put it in his pocket. As Mama says, some thieves don’t know enough to take a holiday dur ing the holy season. ” SSZ*''' THE STYLE SHOP 3029 HAZEL ST. NEWBERRY, S. C. EVELYN MAW LILA HUFFSTETLER ratmar A special thanks to you... our good friends through out the community ... for your faithful patronage and continued good will. A H & H MACHINE & WELDING SHOP Willie and Jack Hawkins, Owners 1502 Martin Street Newberry, S. C. Once again the spirit of Christmas radiates its promise of hope, love and peace throughout the land. As you reflect upon the Miracle and glory of the Holy Birth, may you be comforted by the faith, gladdened by the message and sustained by the inspiration of Christmas, now and always. May holiday joys and blessings be yours. City Filling Station Telephone 276-4395 Newberry, S. C. Friend Street