The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1915-07-23

the center OF the room. ~ n on guar1
while Clutching Hand eat before IN,
safe watching II intsntly.
Someone 1t the door-Jen uinxp n
answering the BELL" Michael whis
pered hoarsely.
"Confound IT," muttered Clutchina
Hand, as both moved again behind tn
heavy velour curtains.
I'm so glad to see you. Mr.. Ken
nedy." greeted Elaine unanectedly Al
Jennings admitted us.
She had heard the bell and was com
Ing downstairs ~ we entered. We
three moved toward the library and
someone switched on the lights.
Craig strobe over to the safe. The
cold sweat on II had now turned Ia
icicles. Craigs face clouded with
thought as he examined 1t moro close.
ly. There was actually q groaning
sound from within.
1T can't be opened" he said to him
self The time lock IL act for tomor-
row morning."
Outside, II we had not been 40 All
sorbed In the present mystery. we
| might have seen Michael and the
Clutching Hand listening to US
Clutching Hand looked hastily at his
watch.
The deuce'" he muttered under his
breath, sitting his suppressed fury.
We stood looking at the safe. Ken
nedy was deeply interested, Elaine
standing close beside him. Suddenly
he seemed to make up his mind.
'Quick-Elaine!" he cried, taking
her arm. Stand back!"
We all retreated. The safe door
powerful as 1t was. had actually begun
to warp and bend. The plates were
bullying. A moment later, with a loud
report and conclusion. the door blew
of.
A blast Of cold air and flakes Ike
snow flew out Papers were scattered
on every side.
we stood gazing, aghast, a second.
Their ran forward Kennedy quickly
examined the safe. He bent down and
from the wreck took up q package.
now covered with white.
AS quickly he dropped II.
That is the package that was sent"
cried Elaine.
Iaking II In table cover. he laid
II on the table and opened It. Inside
was peculiar shape flask, open at the
top, but like a vacuum bottle.
"A Dewar flask" calculated Craig
What is it," asked Elaine. appeal
ing to him.
Liquid air." he answered. "As II
evaporated. the terrific pressure of
expanding air in the safe increased
until 1t blew out the door, That ia
what caused the cold sweating and the
groans."
We watched him, startled.
On the other side OF The portieres
Michael and Clutching Hand waited.
Then. In the general confusion. Clutch.
Ing Hand slowly disappeared, foiled.
Where did this package come
from!' asked Kennedy of Jennings
Jennings looked blank.
Why put in Elaine. Michael
brought 1t to me-"
iet Michael" ordered Kennedy.
A moment later he returned. J
found him. going upstairs" reported
Jennings, leading Michael in.
Where did you get this packase?"
shot out Kennedy.
1T was left at the door. sir nv
boy, sir
Question after question could NOT
shake that sin pie. stolid sentence
Kennedy frowned
You may co.. he said finally as ~
deserving something for Michael later
A sudden exclamation followed from
elaine as Michael passed down the
lall again. She had moved over IN
he desk. during the questioning. and
vas leaning against II.
Inadvertently she had touched an
Envelope. 1t was addressed Craig
lennedy."
Craig tore 1t open. Elaine bending
nxiously over his shoulder, frightened
We read:
Nv TIA EhED FOR |
HE LAST TINE. 1T is THE END"l
Beneath 1t stood the fearsome sign
I the Clutching Hand!
The warning OF the Clutching Hand
ad no other effect on Kennedy than
he rebuilding Of his precautions for
afety. Nothing further happened that
light. however. and the next morning
'und US early at the laboratory.
II was the late forenoon, when. afr.
r a hurried trip down to the Office
sjoiDed Kennedy at his scientific
orkshop.
We walked down the street when a
Ig limousine shot past. Kennedy .
opped in the middle Of a remark He
i'd recognized the car. with a sort of
stinct.
At the same moment / saw a smIl- ,
& face at the window of the car n
as Elaine Dodge.
The car stopped In something less =
an twice its length and then backed I
ward us. I
Kennedy. hat on, was at the window a
a moment. There were Amt Josa