Radio and television mirror (Jan-June 1942)

^ The ugly, snub-nosed machine gun blazed away, spitting forth bullets at the chest of the Man of Steel. Bill went on with his story. "A couple of our boys disguised as brakemen were on the gold train. We just switched . . ." Just as Superman reached Van Doren, the thief pulled the trigger, sending the bullet straight toward the box of dynamite, but . . . 42 CLARK KENT and Lois Lane, star reporters of the Daily Planet, reached Metropolis' railroad terminal just as the special freight from Bolton pulled in. The station echoed with the noise of hundreds of curious spectators. Press photographers, cameras held high, were already in position. Clark and his companion hurriedly answered quick hello's from their fellow reporters. The atmosphere was heavy with tension. All of them were waiting — waiting for the arrival of a strange cargo: Somewhere in that long line of freights jerking along the tracks was a specially armored car. A car carrying five million dollars in gold! The engine halted. The wheels stopped turning. The cars were motionless. The guards, ready on the platform, ran to reach the sealed car. But there, ahead of them even, was Reginald Van Doren, president of the Metropolis National Bank. And Kent watching that small group, saw them reel back in frightened amazement. The treasure car gone — vanished! But how? The train had made no stops — the precious shipment had been sandwiched in between 100 other cars. But it was gone! The reporter left the station. He could do nothing more in the disguise of Clark Kent. He must become, once again. Superman! Superman, that champion of the weak and oppressed who walked the earth as a mild, spectacled reporter. He reached a deserted stretch just outside the terminal and, in a flash, the tall blue-costumed figure leaped high into the air. Flying with the speed of lightning. Superman followed the tracks from Metropolis to Bolton searching every inch of the way with the sweeping intensity of his x-ray eyes. Back and forth he went, but, after 15 minutes, he knew it was useless. Kent returned to the office of the Planet, curious to learn if Editor White had heard anything that might help solve the mystery. He hadn't. He could tell them only that Bank President Van Doren seemed close to collapse — the loss of $5,000,000 would mean his bank would be forced to close its doors. Superman listened to White's report, then, excusing himself quickly, he left the Planet building. There was no indecision in his quick, swinging walk. He was on his way to take another look at the tracks between Bolton and Metropolis. He had reached the main curve in the tracks, when — "Now — this is the spot where I'll see if my theory is right. Let's see . . . the tracks run along the base of this mountain . . . Wait! There's a movement in the brush near that track!" Speedily, he crouched low behind a thicket as the crackling of the mountain brush near the track grew louder. Then, sure now that his suspicion had been correct, he saw a brush heap pushed aside and a man emerge from a hole dug into the side of the mountain. Springing out, Superman ordered the man to halt. The stranger whirled, pulling out an automatic as he turned. His words were slow and threatening: "C'mon bud — you're comin' with me. I ain't lettin' you go back to town and start blabbing about this tunnel." Superman's first impulse was to laugh at the threat. But then, realizing that this was his opportunity for an inspection trip, he meekly agreed to follow his "captor." The entrance, hidden behind the brush, was large but very well concealed. They stepped into a large well-furnished room, filled with tough, vicious-looking men. They listened to the story of Superman's capture. He, ignoring them, studied the huge cave. His eyes widened when he saw a completely equipped short-wave sending and receiving outfit. But far more astonishing was what he saw in the dim shadows in the rear. It was the missing freight car! His attention was fastened on the object of his search until, with his super-senses, he felt a man creeping up behind him. He didn't fiinch or move as, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a heavy iron crowbar lifted high in two strong hands come straight down for his head! There was a dull, sickening thud but Superman only smiled. A new unbelieving look of fear came into the face of the one they called Muggsy. He could hardly speak: "Bill! Did you see that? I came up behind — hit him over the head with that iron bar — and he's not even hurt! And look at this bar— bent in two!" Superman chuckled, then his voice became serious: "I see all you men are starting to produce guns. They'll do you no good." "We'll see about that. C'mon — let him have it with those tommy-guns!" The ugly, snub-nosed machine guns blazed away. But the bullets bounced uselessly off (Continued on page 51) RADIO AND TELEVISION MIRROR