The Springdale news., 1915-03-05
FOURTH EPISODE
The Frozen Safe.

The Frozen Safe.
 Kennedy swung open the door of our taxicab as we pulled up, safe at last, before the Dodge mansion, after the rescue of Elaine from the brutal machinations of the Clutehing Hand Bennett was on the step of the cab in a moment, and together one on each side of Elaine, they assisted her out of the car and up the steps to the house.
 Eaine's Aunt Josephine was wait ing for us in the drawingroom. very much worried. The dear old lady was quite scandalized as Elaine excitedly told of the thrilling events that had just taken place.
 And to think they-aetually-car ried you." she exclaimed, mortified adding, And l not"
 But Mir Kennedy came along and saved me just in time." interrupted Elaine with smile 'I was we'll chaperoned,
 Aunt Josephine turned to Craig, gratefully. How can I ever thank you enough. MT. Kennedy" she said fer, veItly
 Kennedy was quite embarrassed With smile, Elaine perceived his discontinue, not at all displeased by it. Come into the Zibraryt she cried gayly, taking his ar. I've something to show you
 Where the old safe, which had been burnt through. had stood. was now brand-new safe Of the very latest construction and design-one of those globular safes that=look and are so formidable.
 Here is the new safe she pointed out brightly. Tt is not only proof against explosives. but between the plates is lining that is proof against thermit and even that oxyacetylene blowpipe by which you rescued me from the old boiler It has a time clock, too. that will prevent its being opened at night. even if any one should learn the combination.
 They stood before the safe mo. ment, and Kennedy examined it close. ly with much interest.
 Wonderful" he admired
 T knew you'd approve of it." cried Elaine. much pleased Now I have something else to show you.
 She paused at the desk and from a drawer took out a portfolio of large photographs. They were very hand some photographs of herself
 Much more wonderful than the safe, remarked Craig earnestly. Then. hesitating and trifie embarrassed, he added, May I-may have one?'
 If you care for 1t. she said, drop ping her eyes, then glaneing up at him quickly.
 Care for it?" he repeated. It will be one of the greatest treasures"
 She slipped the picture quickly into an envelope. Come she interrupted. Aunt Josephine will be wondering chaperon.
 Bennett, Aunt Josephine and my. self were talking earnestly as Elaine and Craig returned
 That morning 1 had noticed Ken nedy fussing some time at the door of our apartment before we went over to the laboratory. As nearly as could make out he had placed some thing under the rug at the door out into the hallway.
 We'll" said Bennett, glancing at his watch and rising as he turned to Elaine, I'm afraid l must go now He crossed over to where she stood and shook hands There was no doubt that Bennett was very much smitten by his fair client
 "Good-by Mr Bennett she mur- mured, and l thank you so much for what you have done for me today
 But there was something lifeless about the words She turned quickly to Craig, who had remained standing
 Must you go too, Mir. Kennedy?' she asked. noticing his position. m afraid Mir. Jameson and l must get back on the job before this Clutch Ing Hand gets busy again. he replied reluctantly.
 Oh hope you've get them soon.'
 ahu eielS Wdo Holhihe Hfeless about the way she gave Craig her hand, as Bennett. he and left a moment later
 When We approached our door, now Craig paused. By pressing a little concealed button he caused a panel in the wall outside to loosen. disclos ing small, boxlike plate ill the wall underneat,.
 It was about foot long and perhaps four inches wide Through it ran 8 piece of paper which unrolled from one coil and wound up on another, actu