Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C., Thurs., Dec. 25, 1969—SEC. D, PAGE 3 6HrasrjMAS f IXyeE "I tell you, Al, it’s just a foolish thing to do. You come up for re-election next year. If word of this ever leaks out, you won’t poll enough votes to carry your own neighbor hood. Go through with this and you’ll be very dead poli tically, very dead.” Al Barton frowned slightly and rocked back in his chair, hearing the familiar squeak. "Before I leave office, I aim to oil this chair at least one time. Probably on my last day.” He rose, wearily, pulled a cigar from his breast pocket ana lit it carefully. Then he turned to face the man across the desk. "I know how right you are, Bill. You’ve always been right. I can’t remember a piece of bad advice from you. Not one. In twenty years, you have never steered me wrong. You are probably dead right this time, too. But, I can’t help myself. ” "Do you think it would be the same if the shoe were on the other foot? You know it wouldn’t be, just as you know my name is Bill Blair.” Bill Blair headed for the door. He paused, the door half opened. "I’ll write the headline for you: Mayor holds secret rendezvous with fugitive mobster. It doesn’t sound very pretty.” Al sat down in the chair again. "I’m going to take my chances, • Bill. And, l think things will be all right.” Alone now, Mayor Al Barton picked up an envelope from the desk. He removed a frayed piece of paper, yellow with age. He read it slowly, aloud: TWENTY-FIVE YEARS FROM THIS DATE, December 24, 1945, the below- signed members of Company B shall meet at Casey’s Bar (or, if Casey’s shall no longer exist) at the nearest refresh ment stand to the west gate limits of Camp Springham, for the sole purpose of hoisting one egg nog in memory of the hardy times we have had to gether and to mark the an niversary of our last night to gether as comrades-in-arms.” Most of the signatures were illegible. But he could make out his own and that of Harold Lancer, now familiarly known to the press, the public and the underworld as "Lucky.” Beneath the signatures, in fresh, erratic penmanship was an added message: "Casey still exists. I’ll be there, if only long enough to shake the hand of an old friend.” Al looked at his watch. Four hours until plane time. He turned his attention to the papers on his desk. Casey’s Bar was alive with activity. Al sat alone, looking out across the crowd. No sign of Hal, or any of the others. Or, were they here and changed so much in twenty-five years that he did not recognize them? No, he would know them. The sound of a chair scraping across the floor brought his attention to his own table. A stranger, middle-aged, well-dressed. "Are you Al Barton?” "Yes, do I know you?” "No. Name’s Jackson. FBI. Read this.” Al took the note. It was ad dressed to the FBI and the handwriting was familiar. It said:" Hear you’re looking fqr me. I’ll give myself up to my old Army sergeant. A man I respect for being all the things I haven’t been able to be.” It was signed Lucky Lancer. Al returned the note. Jakcson put it in his pocket. "We had a telephone contact since this note. It warned that Lucky wouldn’t show unless you did, and insisted that your name be kept out of any news reports. We think he’ll show, and we intend to live up to the bargain.” Al smiled, "I’m sure he’ll show.” And he rose to his feet to greet the Dig, smiling man striding through the crowded tables with a glass of nog in each hand. "Merry Christmas, Hal,” he said, knowing that it would be so after all. SELECT TOYS THAT ARE SAFE Toys are a part of a child’s Christmas, yet some of them are often the cause of suffering and heartache. Many serious injuries to children’s eyes are* caused by missile-type toys, such as pellet guns, dart guns, air guns, bean shooters and toys with rubber bands that release projectiles, such as sling shots. Chemistry sets with ingredi ents which may cause burns or explosions can result in serious injury in the hands of a youngster without the ex perience to use them knowl edgeably and prudently. This is why safety experts advise choose the toy that fits the child. this Season, recalling to each of us His many blessings. As the Christmas story once again unfolds its Holy message, let us join together in a fervent prayer that the world will always live in Peace and Good Will. Fulmer Building Supplies WINDOW UNITS — DOORS — SCREENS — CABINETS "EVERYTHING IN WOOD" PHONE 276-4333 60 CALDWELL STREET