The Monticellonian., 1915-06-03
ELEVENTH EPISODE
THE HOUR OF THREE.

With the ominous forefnger of his Clutching Hand extended. the Master Criminal emphasized his instructions to his minions.
 Perry Bennett, her lawyer, is in favor again with Elaine Dodge" he was saying. She and Kennedy are on the outs even yet. But they may become reconciled Then she'll have that fellow on our trail again Before that happens we must get her -see?"
 It was in the latest headquarters to which Craig had chased the crim- inal, in one of the toughest parts of New York's great river front section.
 Now" went on the Clutching Hand, "I want you, Slim, to follow them. See what they do-where they go. It's her birthday. Something's bound to occur that will give you a lead. All you've got to do is to use your head. Get mel"
 It was, as Clutching Hand had said. Elaine's birthday She had received many callers and congratulations, in numerable costly and beautiful to- kens of remembrance from her count less friends and admirers. In the conservatory of the Dodge house Elaine, Aunt Josephine and Susie Mar tin were sitting discussing not only the happy occasion, but more, the many strange events of the past few weeks.
 Well, said a familiar voice behind them, what would a certain blonde young lady accept as a birthday pres ent from her family lawyery'
 All three turned in surprise.
 "Oh, MT. Bennett" cried Elaine. How you startled us!"
 Elaine hesitated. She was thinking not so much of his words as of Ken nedy To them all. however, it seemed that she was unable to make up her mind what, in the wealth of her luxury, what she would like.
 Susie Martin had been wondering whether, now that Bennett was here, she was not de trop as she looked, at her wrist watch mechanically. As she did so, an idea occurred to her.
 Why not one of these?" she cried impulsively, indicating the watch. Fa- ther has some beauties at the shop"
 oh. good" exclaimed Elaine, how sweet"
 Then let's all go to the shop" said Bennett. Miss Martin will personally conduct the tour, and We shall have our pick of the finest stock"
 It was too gay party to notice a sinister figure following them in cab.
 Chatting with animation. the three moved over to the watch counter, while the crook. with a determination not to risk missing anything. entered the shop door, too.
 MT. Thomas" asked Susie as her fathers clerk bowed to them, please show Miss Dodge the wrist watches father was telling about"
 Unobseryed, the crook walked over near enough to hear what was going on.
 At last, with much banter and yet care, Elaine selected one that was in deed beauty and was about to snap it on her dainty wrist when the clerk interrupted.
 T beg your pardon he suggested. but I'd advise you to leave it to be regulated, if you please"
 Reluctantly Elaine handed it over to the clerk
 A moment later they went out and entered the car again
 As they did so. Slim. who had been looking over various things in the next case as if undecided. came up to the watch counter.
 I'm making present" he remarked eonffdentally to the clerk How about those bracelet watches?"
 The clerk pulled out some of the cheaper ones.
 "No." he said thoughtfully, pointing out tray in the showcase. something like those"
 He ended by picking out one iden- tically like that which Elaine had se- lected, and started to pay for it.
 Better have 1t regulated repeated the clerk
 Nc" he objected hastily, shaking his head and paying the money quick ly. Its present-and l want it to- night"
 He took the watch and left the store hurriedly.
 
 In the laboratory, Kennedy was working over an oblong oak box, per haps eighteen inches in length and