10-Story Detective Magazine Cover — page 98: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A-couple of small-time crooks rode hell’s highway-—only to skid intoa ves Detour to the Morgue By Ronald Henderson Jake pointed with his chin at the bend in the dirt road, kicking up farmhouse. A towheaded boy about a swirl of dust like a miniature four or five years old was running out HE sedan hurtled around the tornado. The man gripping the wheel poked his companion with his elbow. “Farmhouse,” he said tersely. The other occupant of the car lifted his head with an effort. His arms were clasped tightly about his middle. “We'll — have to — stop, Jake,’ he gasped. His face twisted in pain, The vicar eased his foot from the aceglerator and the car slowed down to normal speed. “I keep telling you, Sam, we can’t stop now.” His harsh voice was edged with temper. “The whole country- side is on the lookout for us. You'd be a dead giveaway.” His deep- set black eyes burned under bushy eyebrows. His thin lips pressed tight as he punched a button on the dash- board. A nasal voice whined out of the ra- dio, low at first, then gaining in vol- ume, “Armed and dangerous. The bank Y® guard shot one of the men before fall- ing under a hail of bullets, but both bandits succeeded in making their es- cape. If you see a black sedan bearing Illinois plates, notify the nearest po- lice officer at once. All highways are being patrolled—” Jake grunted as he cut the radio off. *Yokels,” he seoffed.. “They’re so to the road, waving his arms at the approaching car. Jake stepped on the brake, pulled the car to a stop. He glanced quickly at the farmhouse, but no one appeared in the doorway. He looked at the youngster who had stepped on the running board. Tears were streaming down the boy’s face, “What's the matter, kid?” “Something’s happened to Muzzer,” the boy cried. “She laid down in the kitchen and just rolls her eyes, I’ve got to get Doctor Haskins.” Jake’s eyes shifted to his compan- ion, then he turned to the boy again. “Where’s your father?” “He had to go to town,” the boy sobbed. “Won’t he be back soon?” “Not till tonight. I’m all alone with her and I’ve got to get the doctor.” Jake’s eyes narrowed. “Why don’t u phone?” “‘We don’t have a phone.” AKE spoke out of the corner of his mouth to Sam. “This is almost too good to be true.” The words were scarcely audible. “You can stay here while I go with the kid for the doc.” He turned to the youngster, his face twisting into what he thought was a smile of reassurance. ‘Don’t worry, dumb they think we still have the old kid, I’ll get the doc for you.” 7 He stepped out of the car and mo- plates. »” ' “T've—gotta have—a doctor, Jake,” Sam pleaded. His round, moonish face writhed in agony. “I’m hit bad.” 96 tioned to Sam te follow. “Get in,’ he said to the boy. “I'll be with you in a minute.” co 900 ‘S (ef)