Hope Takes Flight Read Online Free PDF

self-defense.” He waved a thin arm toward the robed men behind him. “We have here three of the finest proponents of the art of boxing to be found in this great country of ours. All of them have boxed in New York, Chicago, and other great cities of America. Now then, we are offering you a deal you can’t refuse! We got Jackie Smith,” he gestured toward the smallest of the men. “One hundred twenty-six pounds for you lightweight fellows.” He motioned to the next man, who was obviously larger. “At 160 pounds, we have Cole Kelly for you middleweights—” He paused, adding dramatically, “And we have Killer Morgan for those of you who’ve lived a full life!”
    He let the titter of laughter ripple through the crowd, then said, “Killer weighs in at 210 pounds and doesn’t get much work. Not many men want to get in the same ring with him. Now, which of you fellas will be first to make an easy hundred bucks?”
    The shill continued his patter and, without too much trouble, found volunteers to fight the lightweight and the middleweight. While he talked on, a big man, tall and ponderous, made his way through the crowd. Coming up behind Owen, he tapped him on the shoulder. “Hello, Preacher. Didn’t expect to see you in a place like this.”
    Owen turned and, recognizing the man who’d spoken, smiled. “Hello, Governor.” A glint of humor sparked in his eyes. “Didn’t expect to see you in a place like this, either.”
    Governor Al Benning laughed loudly, and some of the spectators who had recognized him turned to watch, listening avidly. “That’s where you’re wrong. Look at these votes around here, Preacher,” he said. “Any time you get this many folks together, you’ll find a politician right in the middle of them!”
    A laugh went around the crowd, and someone yelled, “That’s the way, Guv! We’re for you!”
    Al Benning was one of the most popular governors Arkansas had ever had. Though the man had never seen the inside of a college, he was a shrewd, able politician and had learned to do the infighting necessary to rise to the top of the heap. He knew, it seemed, half the people in his home state. Everywhere he went, he could call hundreds—even thousands—of men and women by their first names.
    Now, seeing Owen and remembering a story he had read about him—“Fighter Turned Preacher”—he saw an opportunity to make a little splash, perhaps sway a few votes in the upcoming election.
    â€œWell, now, Preacher,” he said, “I’ve been wondering for years when you were going to stop preaching and get back to your regular trade. I always thought you’d be the one to whup Jack Johnson.” He shook his head sadly. “You was the one white hope that I had some confidence in.”
    Jack Johnson, the black heavyweight champion, had ruled the boxing world for years. The search for the Great White Hope had swept the country, but no white man had been found who could outbox the crafty champion until the previous April, when Jess Willard had knocked him out to regain the heavyweight championship of the world.
    â€œI guess any fighting I do will be with the devil, Governor,” Owen said with a smile and a shake of his head. Then he grinned. “I’m having a meeting in Little Rock next week. I’d sure like to see you there in the front row.”
    Benning grinned. “Get me up with the rest of the sinners where you can rake us with both guns?”
    â€œSomething like that. Will you come?”
    Benning knew the crowd was listening, and a thought came to him. “Well, I’ll tell you what, Preacher.” He glanced up at the huge heavyweight fighter on the platform. “I know you’re not a gambling man, so I’ll just make you an offer.” He waved his hands and shook his head to indicate his sincerity. “Not a bet,