Williamstown High School - Yearbook (Williamstown, MA)

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pageforty-two W.H.S.1933 YEAR BOOK glass was still intact. But soon, he learned that he had lost his ten dollar part- nership in the business. He had broken a new windshield in the show window. Late that afternoon, a large touring car drove up for gas. The men in it asked Billy about the business and other things. The driver handed him a large bill for the gas. As he drove off, he said to Billy over his shoulder, I'll be seeing you . Billy thought they looked like gangsters, so he and Stan tried every way to find out their business. They were told that the Chief and Scrappy were rum trade pals and they were looking out for a good place for business. Al- though the boys didn't know it, Chief and Scrappy wanted their garage for a blind and a place to keep cars without arousing suspicions. The two rum runners and their guests stayed in a suite at the Mason Hotel, which was the largest and most elaborate one in the city. Soon after they reached the hotel, the Chief, in an adjoining room, shouted in a shrill voice. Say, youse mugs, we've got to get that bloomin' garage, or we're licked. You know, licked? If we can't buy it, we can scare him out, maybe. Hey, you, Scrappy, call up that feller and ask him if he wants to sell, and offer him S5,000. O.K. boss, answered Scrappy while proceeding to look through the city directory for the number. Wait! the Chief exclaimed, I think it would be better to send letters through some Real Estate Office. Scrappy withdrew from the telephone. The garage was made very attractive by its new decorations. The busi- ness was increasing rapidly. Stan was a good business man and somewhat economical. He had built a large office and had his trophies, which he had won in Sharpshooting, well 'arranged on a shelf above his desk. They were for both revolver and rifle. He was very proud of his skill and kept the prizes shining. Gun handling was a salvation in the South. He received a couple of letters on which the signatures were identical. They came from a poorly educated person because the grammar and con- struction of sentences were very poor. Then again this morning a most aston- ishing letter arrived, threatening the two boys. Stan was greatly moved by these threats and began to investigate from whence they came. The gangster had not been satisfied with Stan's attitude toward the letters and stopped one day at the garage for a chat about the subject. It was rather late and most of the mechanics were through for the day. Only the two boys remained, and were checking the sales of the day when the gang- ster entered. Good afternoon, said Scrappy in a gentle tone. Anything I can do for you? asked Billy. I would like to speak to the owner of this here place, he returned. I am the proprietor, said Stan in a most business-like manner. Pardon

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A Good Start HE sun was slowly ascending into the- sky. when Billy stepped into the cool air and started for the garage. He was in fine spirits this bright morning and whistled in a carefree manner as he walked along. On his way to the garage, it wasnecessary for him to pass a bright red house in which lived a couple of old maids. They, too, arose early that morning, and as Billy approached the house, his whistle became louder. Suddenly a white head appeared in the opened window, and looking around, Miss Shelly saw the boy. Stop that racket so early in the morning, she shouted. Billy grinned with delight and answered, But my dear lady, that is good whistling and the best I can do for you in the line of music. You know, the boys say that I'm a prodigy when it comes to whistling. Well, them boys must be plumb crazy, or you're just lying, she replied. No, M'am, I never told a lie. Well, good mornin'. Billy chuckled to himself and continued on his way. He opened the door which led to the office where he found Stan hard at work on some ideas he had for redecorating the front of his garage to make it more attractive. Good morning, Boss. Howdy, Billy. Lots of work to do today. Come around here and give me your opinion on this design. You know you can't draw business when your place isn't clean and attractive. Yes, I know, Stan. We ought to get a new Neon Sign because that old one we have now has five 100 Watt bulbs and the price of the electricity we save will pay for the sign in a short time. I think the new style Gasoline Pump will add to its attractiveness. Good suggestions, Billy, and I guess that's all there is at present for consultation. By the way, Billy, this garage is mine now. I payed the last installment last night, and now I own every bit of it. You still owe me those ten bucks that I invested in the garage, Billy said. Oh, now it's becoming easier. That's why you used we when we were talking about our redecorations? Stan asked cunningly. I didn't mean anything by that, Stan, I merely thought it an easier way to get ideas, replied Billy rather meekly. Not a bad alibi, Billy. Better get the fioor swept the first thing. Billy swept the floor, after which he started washing windows. He was up on the stepladder washing the big plate glass in the show room when a bee flew in, circled around and lit on his ear. A loud crash echoed through the garage. A shout for help was immediately answered by Stan and a couple of his mechanics. Billy had been lucky, he thought, because the large plate

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W.H.S.1933 YEAR BOOK pageforty-three me a moment. Billy, before you leave, I wish you'd,check up on the accessories and then see me. Then turning to Scrappy he continued, Now, then, what is it you wish to see me about? I have come to buy your garage, and I will offer more than it is - I am not selling, broke in Stan. But I'm offering more than it is worth, insisted the gangster. I don't want to sell, and that's that, he replied. Hey, Buddy, if you don't sell, it's just too bad for you. You'd better think it over. With these words the thug left. Stan was stunned by his last words and stared after him as he got into his car to leave. Billy had finished his work, and as he came in the salesroom, he noticed the troubled look on Stan's face. What's the trouble? Bad news? Yes, Billy. You saw the man who was just here. Well, he has threatened me and my business. You know what that means. Yeah. Say, I didn't like the looks of him. Is he from town? Billy asked. No, he's a big shot of some gang and wants this place for a blind for his racket. You know, Billy, I told Margaret we would get married as soon as I got my place settled. Well, it's settled, and I've asked her to come down in two weeks. Where is she now, Stan? She has a secretarial job at the Hartford Insurance Company in Con- necticut. She has never been to Florida before and is coming down for a vaca- tion. If we can get rid of this gangster who is threatening me, it will be a long vacation for her. Stan, what do you say we stay here tonight? It's your week to work nights, anyway, and I'll stay with you. You never can tell what those con- founded men might do. If they are determined to get this place, they will let nothing stand in their way. Oh, by the way, Stan, have you shot your revolvers lately? It's great sport. Say, that's an idea, Billy. Go down to the Sporting Goods Store and get two hundred 38 caliber revolver shells. I have a couple of my revolvers here in my oflice. We can fix up a small target at the lower end of the garage and have a little fun. Billy brought the shells, and the contest began, Stan holding Billy by hitting the bulls-eye 8 out of 10 chances. The shells went fast, and it began raining, and both boys decided to close up for the night. The next morning brought word from'Margaret. The letter was lying on the desk when Stan arrived at the garage. He quickly opened it and his face brightened as he read it. She was to start her vacation the following week. Stan sprang up from his chair to call Billy and related his good news, but instead of being greeted by Billy, he looked into the rough face of Scrappy. if