The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-03-24
SIXTH EPISODE
1.-THE Vampire" "


Kennedy went the next day to the
Dodge house, and. as usual, Perry Ben.
nett. Elaine's lawyer, was there in the
library with Elaine, still going over
tie Clutching Hand case in their en-
deavor to track down the mysterious
master criminal.
Bennett seemed as deeply as ever
In love with Elaine. Still. as Jennings
admitted Craig, 1t was sufficiently evi.
dent by the manner in which Elaine
teft Bennett and ran to greet Craig
that she had the highest regard for
him.
I've brought you little document
that may interest YOU" remarked Ken
nedy. reaching into his pocket and
pulling out an envelope
Elaine tore It open and looked at
the paper within.
"oh, how thoughtful of you!" she
exclaimed in surprise
1t was a permit from the police made
out in her name allowing her to car
~ q revolver.
A moment later Kennedy reached
into his coat pocket and produced a
little automatic which he handed to
her.
Thank you," she cried. eagerly.
Elaine examined the gun with inter.
est. then, raising 1t, pointed 1t play.
fully at Bennett
''Oh, no, no." exclaimed Kennedy,
taking her arm quickly and gently, de.
fiecting the weapon away. You
mustn't think it is toy. It explodes
at mere touch Of the trigger-when
that safety ratchet is turned"
Bennett had realized the danger and
had jumped back, almost mechanical
ly. AS he did SO, he bumped into a
suit Of medieval armor standing by
the wall. knocking 1t over with a re-
sounding crash.
Il beg pardon" he calculated, I'm
very sorry. That was very awkward
of me-"
Jennings, who had been busy about
the portieres at the doorway. started
to pick up the fallen knight.
"Too bad, too bad" apologized Ben.
nett profusely. Il really forgot how
close | was to the thing"
"Oh, never mind" returned Elaine.
q little crestfallen. 1T is smashed all
right-but 1t was my fault. Jennings,
send for someone to repair it,
1t was late that night that a masked
hgure succeeded in raising itself to
the narrow ornamental ledge under
lanes bedroom window.
Elaine was light sleeper, and, be.
sides, Rusty, her faithful collie, now
fully recovered from the poison, was
in her room.
Rusty growled and the sudden noise
awakened her.
Startled. Elaine instantly thought Of
the automatic. She reached under her
pillow, keeping very quiet, and drew
forth the gun that Craig had given
her. Stealthily concesling her actions
under the covers. she leveled the auto
matte at the figure silhouetted t.. her
window and fired three times.
The figure fell back.
Down in the street below. the as
sfstant Of the Clutching Hand who
had waited while Taylor Dodge was
electrocuted, was waiting as his con.
federate, Pitts Slim"-which indicat.
ed that he was both wiry in stature
and libelous in delegating his nativity
made the attempt.
AS Slim came tumbling down. hay.
Ing fallen back from the window above
mortally wounded. the confederate lift.
ed him up and carried him out OF sight
hurriedly.
Elaine, by this time, had turned on
the lights and had run to the window
TO look out Rusty was barking loud.
ly.
In side street near by stood a wait
Ing automobile, at the wheel G. which
sat another of the emissaries of the
Clutching Hand. The driver looked
up. startled, as he saw his fellow
hurry around the corner carrying the
wounded Pitts Slim" It was the
work of just moment to drop the
wounded man, as comfortably as DOS
sfble under the circumstances. in the
rear seat, while his pals started the
car on with jerk in the hurry Of es-
cape.
Jennings, having hastily slipped his
trousers on over his pajamas, came
running down the hall, while Marie,
frightened. came In the other direc.
tion. Aunt Josephine appeared a few
seconds later, adding to the general
excitement.
What's the NATTER" she asked
anxiously.
"A burglar, think exclaimed
Elaine. still holding the gun in her