The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1915-09-10
eleventh EPISODE
THE HOUR OF THREE.


With the ominous forefnger Of hil
Clutching Hand extended. the Master
Criminal emphasized his instruction,
to his minions.
Perry Bennett, her lawyer. 10 ir
favor again with Elaine Dodge" he
was saying. She and Kennedy are
ON the outs even yet. But they
may become reconciled. Then she'll
have that fellow on our trail again
Before that happens we must get he
--see?"
It was In the latest headquarters
TO which Craig had chased the Grim.
inai. In one of the toughest parts of
New York's great river front section.
Now went on the Clutching Hand,
want you Slim. to follow them.
Bee what they do-where they 20. It's
her birthday. Something's bound to
occur that will give you a lead. All
you've got to do 10 to use your head.
Get me?"
1t was. as Clutching Hand had said
Elaine's birthday. She had received
many callers and Congratulations, in
Vulnerable costly and beautiful to-
kens OF remembrance from her count
less friends and admirers. In the
conservatory OF the Dodge house
Elaine. Aunt Josephine and Susie Mar
tin were sitting discussing not only
the happy occasion. but more the many
strange events OF the past few weeks.
Well said familiar voice behind
them. what would a certain blonde
young lady accept as a birthday pres
emit from her family lawyer
All three turned In surprise.
oh. Mr.. Bennett" cried Elaine.
How you startled us!"
Elaine hesitated. She was thinking
not 10 much Of his words as of Ken.
Aedy. To them all, however II
seemed that she was unable to make
UP her mind what. in the wealth of
her luxury. what she would like.
Susie Martin had been wondering
whether, now that Bennett was here.
she was not de trop. as she looked at
ner wrist watch mechanically. As
she did so, an idea occurred to her.
why not one of these?" she cried
impulsively, indicating the watch. "Fa-
Their has some beauties at the shon -
oh, good exclaimed Elaine. how
sweet"
Then let's all go to the shop" said
Bennett Miss Martin will personally
conduct the tour. and we shall have
our pick of the finest stock"
II was too gay party to notice a
sinister figure following them in a cab.
Chatting with animation, the three
moved over to the watch counter.
while the crook, with determination
not to risk missing anything, entered
the shop door. too.
Mr.. Thomas" asked Susie as her
fathers clerk bowed to them, please
show Miss Dodge the wrist watches
father was telling about"
unobserved, the crook walked over
near enough to hear what was going |
on.
AL last, with much banter and vet |
care, Elaine selected one that was i'm. |
ceed beauty and was about to snap
1t on her dainty wrist when the clerk |
interrupted.
beg your pardon" he suggested.
but I'd advise you to leave 1t to be |
regulated. If you please"
Reluctantly Elaine handed il over
TO the clerk.
A moment later they went out and
entered the car again.
AS they did so. Slim, who had hsan
looking over various things in the
next case as If undecided. came up to
the watch counter,
I'm making present" he remarked |
confidentally to the clerk. How about
those bracelet watches?"
The clerk pulled out some of the |
cheaper ones.
No" he said thoughtfully. pointing
out tray In the showcase. something /
like those"
lie ended by picking out one iden- |
tlcally like that which Elaine had Sc
fected, and started to pay for it.
Better have it regulated" repeated |
the clerk.
No" he objected hastily, shaking
his head and paying the money quick |
~. Its present-and | want II to-
night"
he took the watch and left the store
Rs-viedly.
IN the laboratory. Kennedy was
working over an oblong oak box. per
Aaos eighteen inches In length and