27

…you show me a man what asks questions first and I’ll show you a man what is still looking for a right answer…

Monroe D. Underwood

About midnight I was beginning to doze.

Then I heard a key hit the lock.

I dropped behind Myrtle Culpepper’s desk.

The door opened.

Somebody whispered amma go inna finda safe.

Somebody else whispered I’ll check the back and I’ll be right with you.

A flashlight clicked on.

Somebody passed Myrtle Culpepper’s desk.

I stood up.

I hit him on top of the head with my brand-new three-cell flashlight.

He sagged silently into the thick salt-and-pepper carpeting.

I turned off his flashlight.

I stood beside the door and waited.

In a few seconds somebody else came in.

I hit him on top of the head with my brand-new three cell flashlight.

He collapsed face down.

I went to Myrtle Culpepper’s desk and grabbed the telephone.

I called D. L. Ambercrombie.

He answered on the first ring.

He said Purdue?

I said you ain’t just a-woofing.

He said what’s up?

I said grab some cops and get over here.

I said it’s all history.

D. L. Ambercrombie said I could tell you were a damn good man.