The Dermott news., 1915-11-11
THIRTY-SECONO EPISODE
THE SEARChulGhT GUN.

Il don't understand it," remarked
Elaine one day as with Aunt Joseph
inc and myself she was discussing the
strange events that had occurred since
the disappearance Of Kennedy. but.
somehow. 1t is as II a strange Provi-
dence seems to be watching over us
Nor do l." agreed, 1t does seem
that. although We do not see it. a
mysterious power for good is about Us.
It's uneanny.'
A package for you. Miss Dodge
announced Mario. coming in with a
small parcel which had been delivered
by messenger who did not wait for
an answer
Elaine took 1t. looked at it. turned it
over. and then looked at tho written
address again.
Its not the handwriting OF anyone
which | recognize" she mused Now.
] suppose ought 10 be suspicious OF
1t. Yet. I'm going to open it
She did SO Inside. the paper wrap
ping covered pastehoard box She
opened that, There lay revolver.
which she picked up aud turned over.
1t Was n curious looking weapon.
Il never knew so much about fire.
arms as have learned in the last few
weeks" remarked Elaine. But what
do you suppose this is-and who sent
II to me-and why
She held tho gun up. From the
barrel stuck out a little rolled-up
piece OF paper. See" she cried. read
ing and handing the paper TO me.
there II is again-that mysterious
power
Aunt Josephine read the note:
Dear Miss Dodge:
This weapon shoots exactly into the
center OF the light disk. Keep IT by
you. A FRIEND"
Let mo see IT," | asked. taking the
gun Sure enough. along the barrel
was a peculiar tube A searchlight
gun" exclaimed. puzzled. though still
my suspicious were not entirely at
rest. :. oppose it's sighted wrong. |
could nc help considering. 1T might
be pl 1t to save someone from be-
ing she
"Tha 5 easily settled" returned
Elaine. Let's try IT."
oh. mercy. no-not here" remon-
strated Aunt Josephine
Why not-down cellar" persisted
Elaine. 1T cant hurt anything there"
Il think 1t WOULD be "a good plan.
7 agreed. lust to make sure that it is
all right"
Accordingly we three went down
cellar. There Elaine found tho light
switch and turned il. Eagerly | hunt
cd about for mark There. in some
rubbish that had not yet been cart
cd away. was a small china plate. l
set II up on small shelf across the
room and took the gun. But Elaine
playfully wrenched II from my hand.
No" she insisted. 1T was sent to
me. Let me try II irst"
Reluctantly | consented.
Switch OF the light Walter.
please" she directed. standing few
PAGES from the plate.
| did So In the darkness Elaine
pointed the gun and pulled the little
ratchet. Instantly a spot of light
showed on the wall. She moved the
revolver and the spot OF light moved
with II. As It rested on n little deco
rative figure in the center OF the plate
she pulled the trigger. The gun ex-
ploded with a report. deafening, in the
confines OF the cellar.
switched on the light and we ran
forward. There was the plate
smashed into a hundred bits. The bull
let had struck exactly in the center OF
the little buli's.eye OF light.
Splendid" cried Elaine enthusi-
astically as we looked at each other
IN surprise.
Though none OF US guessed 1t. half
an hour before. I'm the seclusion OF
his yacht woodwoSths friend. Pro