The evening herald. (Klamath Falls, Or.) 1906-1942, 1915-03-08


tns downstairs aa We entered, We
three moved toward tho library and
someonc switched on tho lights.
Craig sirodc over To tho safe. The
sold sweat on Il hnd now turned TO
ielclep CraIs's face clouded with
thought as he examined II moro close.
h. There was actually = groaning
sound from within
II cant be opened" he said to him.
self THE time lock " set for tofnor.
row morning"
Outside, II We had not been 20 ab,
sorbed IN the Present mystery. va
misht have accn Michael aud tho
Clu.ching Hand listening 10 10
Ciutching Hand looked hastily at his
watch.
"The deucc." he muttsred under bis
breath. stiiiing his suppressed fury.
We stood looking at the safe Ken.
nsdy was deeply Interested. Elaine
standing close beaidc him. suddenly
10 seemed TO make up HE mind.
Quick EiaIne'" hs cried, taking
her arm Stand hacki"
We ali retrcetcd Tho safe door.
powerful as IL wns. had actually begun
to warp and bend rho plates wsro
bulging. A momcn, later. with 4 loud
report and concussiup. the door blew
Of.
A blast OF cold air aud Gakss like
SNOW ncw out Papers wer0 scattered
on every side
We stood gazing. nrbnst. a second.
thef ran forward Kenncdy quickly
examined the safe lie hent down and
from the wreck took up a package,
now covered with white.
A. quickly he dropped Il.
That is tho package that was sent"
cried Elaine
Taking I, IN n table cover. he laid
Il on the table and opnncd II. Inside
vas a peculiar shape anak. open ut the
TOP. but like a vacuum bottle.
"A Dcwar fask." calculated Gratis.
What Ia ~" asked Elaine. appeal. !
Ing 10 him
Liquid air" he answered "As II !
evaporntrd. the terrific pressure Of !
expanding air In tho cafe Increased |
until Il blew out the door. That is
what caused tho cold sweating and tho
groans'
We watched him, startled.
On the other side of .he bor,icres
Michnel and clutching Hand waited. !
Then. In tho general confusion, Clutch.
Ing Hand slowly disappeared. foiied.
Where did this package come
ifom'' asked kennedy of Jennings
suspiciously.
Jennings looked blank.
why" put In Elaine, "Micheei
brought It 10 me
"det Michael" ordered Kennedy.
momcn' later he returned. II
round him, going upstairs" reported
Jennings, leading Michael IN.
Where did you get this package'"
shot out Kennedy.
II was left at the door. sir. by 4
boy, str"
Question after question could not
snake that sin pic. siolid sentence.
Kennedy frowncd.
fou may co." hc said finally. as II
feserv'ng something for sfichaeI later.
= sudden exclamation followed from
Elaine AZ Michael passed down tho
aa'' again. She had moved over 20
'ne desk. during the questionins, and
was leaning against L.
inadvertently che had touched m
Envelope Il was addressed, ..Crsis
Kennedy"
craig tore II open. Elaine bending
lnxlously over his shoulder. frightened.
We read: 80
,' you HAVE INTERrEREr ron
the LAST TIME. IT Is THE END
beneath Il stood the fearsome sisu
" tue ciutch'ng Hand!
inc warning Of tho Clutching Hand
100 no other effect on Kennedy than
ne redoubling OF HIS precautions for
aiety' Nothing further happened that
lisht. however. and the ncxt mornins
ound us early at the laboratory.
was the late forenoon, whom. AT.
= hurried trip down to the once. I
eloined Kennedy at his scientific
we walked down tho street when Z
~ limousine shot past. Kennedy
topped In the middle Of remark. He
instinct. -
q, 'he same moment | saw a smil.
u 'ace at the window OF the car. Il
'es Elaine Dodge.
me car stopped In something less
s. saa twice Its length and then backed
Nenhedy, hat on. was II the window
= moment. There were Aunt Jose.
n.ne .s.e, and Susie Martin. also.
where are you boys going :" asked
'a'ne. with interest. than added with
sayety that III concealed. her real {
aa'siy. I'm % slad 10 ~ you--to I
y 'nat--er--nothing has happened
ON ,a the dreadful Clutchins Hand. I
Whl' We were Just going up 70 our
'oms. replied Kennedy. gila