The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-03-12
CONTINUED

Where did this package come
FROM" asked Kennedy of Jennings
suspieiously.
Jennings looked blank.
why" put in Elaine. Michael
brought II to me-"
Get Michael" ordered Kennedy.
A moment later he returned. Il
found him. going upstairs" reported
Jennings. leading Michael in.
Where did you get this package"
shot out Kennedy
TT was left at the door. sir, by a
boy. SIR"
Question after question could not
shake that simple. stolid sentence.
Kennedy frowned.
you may go" he said finally. as II
reserving something for Michael later.
A sudden exclamation followed from
Elaine as Michael passed down the
hall again. She had moved over to
the desk. during the questioning. and
was leaning against 1t.
Inadvertently she had touched an
envelope II was addressed. Craig
Kennedy"
Craig tore 1t open. Elaine bending
anxiously over his shoulder, frightened.
= We read:
: you HAVE INTERFERED FOR
THE LAST TINE. 1T IS THE END"
Beneath 1t stood the fearsome sign
of the Clutching Hand.
The warning Of the Clutching Hand
had no other effect on Kennedy than
the redoubling of his precautions for
safety Nothing further happened that
night, however. and the next morning
found us early at the laboratory.
1t was the late forenoon. when, aft.
er a hurried trip down to the office,
rejoined Kennedy at his scientific
workshop.
We walked down the street when a
big limousine shot past Kennedy
stopped in the middle of remark. He
had recognized the car, with sort of
instinct.
At the same moment I saw a smil-
ing face at the window of the car. It
was Elaine Dodge.
The car stopped in something less
than twice its length and then backed
toward US.
Kennedy, hat OF, was at the window
In moment. There were Aunt Jose
phine and Susie Martin, also
Where are you boys going?" asked
Elaine, with interest. then added with
a gayety that i'll concealed her real
anxiety, I'm so glad to see you-to
see that-er-nothing has happened
from the dreadful Clutching Hand"
why, we were Just going up to our
rooms" replied Kennedy.
Cant we drive you around?"
We climbed in and a moment later
we're of The ride was only too short
for Kennedy. We stepped out in front
of our apartment and stood chatting
for moment
Some day I want to show you the
laboratory" Craig was saying.
1T must be so-interestingi" ex
claimed Elaine very enthusiastically.
Think of all the bad men you must
have caught
Elaine hesitated. Would you like
to sec it," she wheedled of Aunt Jose
phine.
Aunt Josephine nodded acquiescence,
and moment later We all entered the
building.
"fou-you are very careful since
that last warning?" asked Elaine as
We approached our door.
More than ever-now," replied
Craig. Il have made up my mind to
win
Kennedy had started to unlock the
door. when he stopped short.
See he said this is a precaution
i have just installed. I almost forgot
in the excitement"
4 He pressed q panel and disclosed
the boxlike apparatus.
This is my kinograph, which tells
me whether have had any visitors in
my absence. II the pen traces
straight line, it is all right; but if
hello-Walter, the line is wavy."
We exchanged significant glance.
Would you mind-er-standing
down the hall just bit while l en-
teri" asked Craig.
BE careful" cautioned Elaine.
He unlocked the door, standing of
to one side. Then he extended his
hand across the doorway. Still moth
ing happened. There was not sound.
He looked cautiously into the room.
Apparently there was nothing.
1t had been about the middle of the
morning that an express wagon had
pulled up sharply before our apart
ment
Mr. Kennedy live here?" asked one
of the expressmen, descending with
his helper and approaching our janitor,
Jens Jensen, typical Swede, who
was coming up out of the basement.
Jens growled surly, "Yes-but Mr..
kannady, he bane out"
TOO bad-we've got this large cab
met he ordered from Grand Rapids.
We can't cart 1t around all day. Can't
rou let us in so We can leave it?"
Jensen muttereG: Well guess II
bane all right"
They took the cabinet on the wagon