davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-12-18

Mrs. +. D. Alexander returned Friday
from her two months visit with rela-
tiyes and friends at Elgin and other
Iowa points. The weather was getting
quite cold when she left but not much
snow had fallen. While there a cyclone
visited neighboring town, demolish-
ing large Catholic church, but doing
no damage to adjacent buildings. The
town where she was stopping was af-
fected by the storm somewhat, wind
mills. trees and small buildings being
blown dwon. While she greatly en-
loved her visit, she is content TO make
her home where storms Of this kind do
not occur.-Stayton Standard.
Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-12-18

II the carrier does not give
service notify the office.
The Springdale news., 1915-04-09

Craig donned the rough clothes Of the porter and added a limp and a wig. The same sort of exchange of clothes was made by me, and Craig clapped Nandyke beard on my chin. n
 Nuns the word cautioned Ken nedy You must smuggle us out of the house some way.
 Kennedy lost no time in confirm ing the suspicious of his bolometer as to the cause of the death of the in nocent victims of the machinations of the Clutching Hand.
 Both of them, he had learned, had been removed to a nearby undertak- ing shop, awaiting the verdict of the coroner. We sought out the shop and prevailed on the undertaken to let us see the bodies
 As Kennedy pulled down the shroud from the face of the first victim he disclosed on his forehead a round. dark spot about the size of a small coin. Quickly he moved to the next coffin and uncovering the face. dis closed similar mark
 What is it?" l asked, awe-struck.
 Why he said, I've heard of a cer- tain Viennese, one LeCroix, believe, who has discovered. or perfected, an infra-red ray instrument which shoots it's power a great distance with ex- treme accuracy and leaves mark like these"
 We thanked the undertaken for his courtesy and went out
 Meanwhile Elaine had called up Per ry Bennett
 MT Bennett" she exclaimed over the wire just guess who called on me?n
 Who ?@ he answered. T give it up'
 Mr. Kennedy and Mir Jameson" she called back.
 Is that so?" he returned Isn't that fine? I didn't think he was the kind to run away like that How did it happen2"
 Elaine quickly told the story as had told her
 Had she known it. however, Bennett's valet, Thomas, was at that very mo-
The Springdale news., 1915-04-09
SYNOPSIS.

The New York police are mystifed by series of murders and other crimes The principal clue to the criminal Is the warn ing letter which Is sent the victims signed with a ''clutching hand The latest vtc tim of the mysterious assassin is TavIor Dodge, the insurance president His daughter Elaine. employs Craig Ken nedy. the famous scientific detective to unravel the mystery. What Kennedy ac- complishes is told by his friend Jameson. newspaper man. Enraged at the deter mined effort which Elaine and Craig Ken nedy are making to put an end to his crimes, the Clutching Hand. as this strange criminal is known resorts to all sorts of the most diabolieal schemes to put them out of the way. Each chapter of the story tells of new plot against their lives and of the way the great detective uses all his skill to save this pretty girl and himself from death
The Springdale news., 1915-04-09

as he rejoined him on the dock, giv ing nod of his head and jerk of his thumb at the ship.
 Yes" added the other crook, and lost most of their baggage, too"
 Slowly the car proceeded through the streets up from the river front, followed by the taxicab, until at last the Dodge mansion was reached.
 Elaine sighed moodily as she walked slowly in.
 Here. Marie" she cried petu- lantly to her maid, take these wraps of mine"
 A moment later Aunt Josephine left her and Elaine went into the library and over to table. She stood there an instant, then sank down into chair, taking up Kennedy's picture and gazing at it with eyes filled with tears.
 Just then Jennings came into the room, ushering the two porters laden with the boxes and bags.
 Where shall have them put these things, Miss Elaine?" he inquired
 "Oh-anywhere," she answered hur- riedly, replacing the picture.
 Jennings paused. As he did so, one of the porters limped forward.
 I've a message for you, miss" he said in rich Irish brogue, with look at Jennings, to be delivered in pri- vate"
 1ai ole af ,Nric cd Then she nodded to Jennings. who disappeared As he did so, the Irish man limped to the door and drew to- gether the portieres
 Then he came back closer to Elaine.
 A moment she looked at him, not quite knowing from his strange ac- tions whether to call for help or not.
 At a motion from Kennedy, as he pulled off his wig, I pulled off the little false beard
 Elaine looked at us. transformed, startled.
 "Wh-what stammered oh I'm-so-glad. How"
 Kennedy said nothing He was thoroughly enjoying her face.
 Don't you understand I ex- plained. laughing merrily. q admit that I didn't, until that last minute in the stateroom on the boat when we didn't come back to wave last good-by But all the care that Craig took in selecting the porters was the result of work he did yesterday. and the insistenee with which he chose our travelling clothes had a deep-laid purpose.
 The change was made quickly in the stateroom. Kennedy's man threw on the coat and hat he wore. while
The Springdale news., 1915-04-09

ment listening at the portieres, in. tensely interested
 As Bennett hung up the receiver Thomas entered the room.
 If anyone calls me- ordered Ben- nett. take the message, particularly if it is from Miss Dodge"
 Yes, sir" nodded the valet with a covert glance at his master.
 It was not long afterward that knock sounded at the door of the new headquarters of the Clutching Hand. LeCroix and the secretary were there, as we'll as couple of others.
 The Chief" exclaimed one
 The secretary opened the door. and sure enough, the Clutching Hand entered
 There came another knock This time. as the door opened, it was Thomas. Bennett's faithless valet, who entered
 Say" blurted out the informer do you know Kennedy and Jameson are back2"
 Back" cried the crooks.
 Yes - they didn't go. Changed clothes with the porters. just heard Miss Dodge telling MT. Bennett
 Clutching Hand eyed him keenly, then seemed to burst into an ungov- ernable fury
 Quickly he began yolleying orders at the valet and the others. Then, with the secretary and two of the other crooks he left by another door from that by which he had sent the valet.
 Leaving the undertakers. Kennedy and l made our way. keeping off thoroughfares. to police headquarters. where. after making ourselves known, Craig made arrangements for raid on the house across the street from the laboratory where he had seen the opera glass reflection.
 Then. as secretly as we had come, we went out again, letting ourselves into the laboratory. stealthily looking up and down the street We entered by basement door, which Kennedy carefully locked again
 No sooner had We disappeared than one of the Clutehing Hands spies, who had been watching behind bar rel of rubbish, gave the signal of the hand down the street to confeder- ate. and, going to the door, entered by means of a skeleton key.
 We entered our laboratory which Kennedy had closed the day before. With shades drawn 1t now looked de- serted enough
 Kennedy went over to cabinet. and from it took out notebook and
The Springdale news., 1915-04-09
"outside-a raid. Run. He's told

Outstde-a raid! Run! Hes told them."
 Already We could hear the ham, mers and axes of the police whom Kennedy had called upon before, as they battered at this outside door.
 At that door a moment before the lookout suddenly had given startled stare and a suppressed cry. Glaneing down the street he had seen a police patrol in which were a score or more of the strong-arm squad. They had jumped out. some carrying sledge- hammers, others axes.
 Almost before he could cry out and retreat to give warning they had reached the door and the first re- sounding blows had been struck.
 The lookout quickly had fled and drawn the bolts of strong inner that impediment
 Instantly Clutching Hand turned to LeCroix at the Fray machine.
 Finish them," he shouted
 We were now backed up against a. small ell in the wall of the cellar It was barely large enough to hold us, but by crowding we were able to keep out of the reach of the ray. The ray shot past the ell and struck the wall a couple of inches from us.
 I looked The cement began to crumble under the intense heat
 Meanwhile the police were having great difficulty with the steel bolt studded door Still 1t was yielding bit
 @Hurry,s shouted Clutching Hand to LeGroix
 Kennedy had voluntarily placed him. self in front of me in the ell Carefully. to avoid the ray, he took the asbestos platinum shield from his pocket and slid 1t forward as best he could over the wall to the spot where the ray struck
 It reflected the ray.
 But so powerful was it that even that part of the ray which was defect ed could be seen to strike the ceiling in the corner which was of wood. h. stantly, before Kennedy could even move the shield, the wood burst into flames
 Above us now smoke was pouring into the room where the de1ected ray struck the floor and flames broke out.
 "Confound him." ground out Clutch ing Hand, as they saw it.
 The other crooks backed away and stood hesitating, not knowing quite what to do.
 The police had by this time finished hoft in "a haI tch ad into the outer passage.
 While the flames leaped up. the crooks closed the last door into the room
 Run" shouted Clutehing Hand, as they opened secret gate, disclosing spiral flight of iron steps
 A moment later all had disappeared except Clutching Hand himself The last door would hold only a few sec- onds. but Glutehing Hand was waiting to take advantage of even that With last frantic effort he sought to d. rect the terrible ray at us. Elaine acted instantly With all her strength she rushed forward overturning the machine.
 Clutching Hand uttered a growl and slowly raised his gun, taking aim with the butt for a well-directed blow at her head.
 Just then the door yielded and a policeman stuck his head and shoul- ders through. His revolver rang out and Clutching Hands automatic flew out of his grasp. giving him just
The Springdale news., 1915-04-09

porters, We quickly climbed the gang plank.
 Tn there" pointed Kennedy, quick ly to the porters, indicating our state room, which was an outer room. Come, Walter
 followed him in with a heavy heart
 Outside could be seen the two sin ister faces in the crowd watching in tently, with eyes fixed on the state room. Finally one of the crooks boarded the ship hastily, while the other watched the two porters come out of the stateroom and pause at the window, speaking back into the room as though answering commands.
 Then the porters quickly ran along the deck and down the plank to get the rest of the luggage
 They took small but very heavy box and, lugging and tugging hastened toward the boat with it. But they were too late. The gangplank was be- ing hauled in.
 They shouted, but the ships officers waved them back.
 The porters argued But it was no use. All they could do was to carry the box back to the Dodge car
 Miss Dodge was just getting in as they returned.
 What shall we do with this and the other stuff" asked the Irish DOT ter
 She looked at the rest of the tagged luggage and the box which was marked:
 Scientific Instruments
 Valuable
 Handle With Care
 "Here-pile them in there she said, indicating the taxicab. I'll take care of them.
 Meanwhile one of our sinister-faced friends had just had time to regain the shore after following us aboard ship and strolling past the window of our stateroom He paused long enough to observe one of the oceu- pants studying a map, while the other was opening bag.
 They're gone!" he said to the other
The Springdale news., 1915-04-09

enough time to dodge through and slam the secret door in the faces of the squad as they rushed in
 Back of the house Clutehing Hand and the other crooks were now pass. ing through bricked passage. The fire had got so far beyond control by this time that it drove the police back from their efforts to open the secret door. Thus the Clutching Hand had made good his escape through the passage which led out, as We later dis covered to the railroad tracks along the river
 Down there-Mr. Kennedy-and Mr. Jameson, cried Elaine, pointing at the trap which was hidden in the strife.
 The sfire had gained terrific head way. but the police seized a ladder and stuck 1t down into the basement.
 Choking and sputtering, half-suffo- eated, we staggered up.
 Are you hurt?" asked Elaine. anx- iously, taking Craig's arm.
 Not bit-thanks to you." he re- piled, forgetting all in meeting the eager questioning of her wonderful eyes.
 (TO BE CONTINUED
The Springdale news., 1915-04-09

a small box. Opening the notebook on the laboratory table, he rapidly turned the pages.
 Here, Walter" he remarked This will answer your question about the mysterious deadly ray
 I moved over 10 the table. eager to satisfy my curiosity and read the notes which he indicated with his finger.
The Springdale news., 1915-04-09

Are you an enemy ef society2 If not. order Craig Kennedy ta leave the country by nine o'clock tomorrow morning 0th- erwlse pedestrian will drop dead outside his laboratory every hour unti h. leaves
 The note was signed b. the now ia miiiar sinister hand. and had added to 1t postscript which read
The Springdale news., 1915-04-09

As token of=hts= leaving have him place vase ef flowers in lsis laboratory window today
The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1915-10-15
CHAPTER X.
Greek Meets Greek.

Arrived at his own home, Count
Frederick of Gretzhoffen found little
pile of unopened letters waiting for
him, and picked up one bearing the
crest of Count Sachio OF Grahoffen, a
man he had known for many years
and with whom, II truth be told. he
had had certain plans which neither
would have cared to have come into
public knowledge. He tore open the
envelope.
so, Sachio asks me to join him at
little hunting party at his lodge In
the forest beyond the neutral gToundi
| believe I'll go. After all, it might
not be bad thing to find out little
more about the condition of those two
we left yonder in the desert. Yes, I'll
ride back the very way l just came"
Mile after mile slipped ribbon-like
beneath their speeding wheels. Soon
they had left behind them almost all
sights of the green commons and the
fenced fields which lay under the
walls of Gretzhoffen town. 1t was
Grahame who first detected, far ahead,
a little dust cloud of advancing trav-
elers. He called the attention of his
master.
Glasses. Grahame-find what it is"
Even the stolid Grahame gave
The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1915-10-15

tins lying helpless in the sandy plain,
they themselves made all speed posi-
BILE back to the capital In spite of
his regret at violence to woman. ex-
ultation sat on the dark features of
Count Frederick
Now, Grahame," he exclaimed, "at
last we have it,
"Excellency," rejoined the other,
you have but half the coin. | told
you where the two pieces were
where each was. One you have at last,
and after some trouble. But the other
is still r. the possession OF Michael
the king. He may not yield it easily"
With ease or difficulty, he shall
give it up" growled Count Frederick.
1--WE will take 1t from him II need be-"
And straightway to the Royal pal
ace of Gretzhoffen they Jared on, fast
as might be. There was no difficulty
in securing admission, for Count
Frederick was we'll known at the pal
ace, almost as the king himself.
King Michael ii looked with GER
tain disapproval upon Count Fred.
erick's dusty clothes
Il ask your majesty's pardon, but
have had no time to arrange myself
in proper courtesy. Ny errand is ur-
gent But l fancy you cannot guess
it?"
mot in the least 1t could not be
that you wish to ask me again what
you asked me the last time you came
here-about the broken coin!"
Yes, 1t was precisely that"
why, then?'
Your majesty has promised me
| some little thing In reward for a GER
tain service which / was able to rem
der not long ago. It was rude of me
to remind of that-but suddenly there
came up a need for some little trinket
some jewel-some oddly. Your
majesty, | wish it for a lady, and my
| jeweler told me he could make of
this broken coin"
There is a woman in it," The
| puffy eyes of the king showed inter
est now.
ITO be sure-there is always a
woman"
why not then a pearl, sapphire.
a diamond perhaps? Take as you
like" He waved an Indifferent, pudgy
hand toward cabinet. Michael the
Second keeps all his promises"
"But why not the coin, your maj
esty?"
you persist? So do l. l suggest
that for a lady-and you say there is
a lady-you make some gift more fit.
ting. I have explained to you that
the coin is not presently at hand. But
as ! said, help yourself to something
that is better"
Count Frederick was a man of wit
quick enough to see that here was nc
time to force an argument Defeated
once more, he even accepted his de
feat. He stepped now to the little
drawer which the king pulled open for
him, and selected very modest little
ring, which carelessly he dropped into
his own pocket.
The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1915-10-15

face. She fell, stunned. at his feet.
You rufsian. what have you done
exclaimed his master. as with = thin
smile Grahame held up the chaniois
bag.
But Count Frederick ripped 1t open.
it into his pocket Even as this hap
pened, the pursuing car was closing In
upon them. Ii was Roleau who sprang
from the seat and fastened forward,
revolver In hand. As he did so
weapon cracked from the car OF
Count Frederick, and Roleau. stun
bling. fell forward and lay still
Come Grahame-quick." An in
slant later they had taken possession
Of the motor impressed by Roleau.
How long she remained senseless,
she herself scarcely knew. but when
Kitty stirred. raised her head. she
saw lying close beside her the figure
of the man who had sought to be-
friend her
Kitty suddenly raised her hand to
her neck. The cord was gone. The
packet was missing.
When after time she ceased in a
useless effort to lug the heavy body
of Roleau into the shelter of the car,
she turned to gaze about her. She
paused, her gaze arrested. Yes,
little caravan, apparently from some
far of land, and journeying hither
frankly enough across the neutral
ground between these two little king
doms.
The apparent leader of this little
caravan was reticent, dark-bearded
man. He advanced now quietly to-
ward the young woman.
The lady is in distress? There has
been trouble here-robbers, bandits
your man has been killed, perhaps.
Yes, there are many such in this land,
between the two kingdoms. There is
no law here, mademoiselle. / cross
as you see, with my own men armed.
| am, If you please merchant OF
Grahoffen Sometimes l do Q little
doms"
He pointed to the coat of arms on
the door of the disabled car 1.-THE
Count Frederick of Gretzhoffen has
been here"
AYE, the Count Frederick! It was
he who left us here
He made a gesture now to his at
PENDANTS, and as some of them lifted
the limp form of Roleau, he himself
assisted Kitty to mound. A few mo-
ments later and the strange process
sion was again on it's way.
"Mademoiselle," said the leader at
length, as he drew up alongside, Il
must continue on into my own coun-
try. We are near the edge of it here.
At the little stream which lies just
beyond there is house of peasant
it is but howell and no fit place
for you, that is true But even so,
that is better either for you or for
your man.
They advanced now little distance
farther, until within full sight of the
peasants little hut, Radoz made signs
The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1915-10-15

at her, his strong fingers tnrned the
key in the lock, removed 1t, thrust it
into his pocket.
'Mademoiselle, he said calmly,
you say you came on business. Very
we'll, let us talk business. We know
something of the history OF certain
broken coin. Very good. You have
half OF it. We will say l have the
other. Give me your half the coin,
and will let you go. Refuse, and I'll
never let you CO."
Il will do nothing under compulsion
from you or any other man." said Kitty
Gray stoutly. 81 offer you a fair price
for your half of the coin"
You will not give it to me?"
mo! MOI"
A loud pounding on the door inter
rupted them at this moment. 1T is
Roleau," smiled the count. Il will
have him whipped"
The face Of Kitty Gray had grown
like marble. Suddenly, with one swift
movement she dashed her clenched
hand with all her force into the face
which bent toward her. A livid mark
arose under the swift compact. The
tall man staggered back. The next
instant Kitty felt her wrist caught in
an iron grasp. Struggling, she was
forced backward She felt another
hand grasp her wrist
The man Grahame, the counts valet,
had appeared mysteriously from the
alcove adjoining.
Give me the coin!" insisted Count
Frederick still. Tell me where | may
have tor by the Lord you will rest
a long time to think this matter over.
"Exceliency!" calculated the man
Grahame suddenly "On guard! He
is breaking in the door Quick, excel
lency!"
And even as Roleau, by a mighty
heave burst in the door, Grahame and
his master hurried Kitty to the rear
door of the alcove. 1t made out upon
a dimly lighted hall
Roleau heard them pass, followed
swiftly as he could. But it was empty,
The purr Of a motor getting under
way reached his ears.
$50, then-we failed" said Roleau
bitterly.
The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1915-10-15

him. Had l met this gentleman" he
nodded toward Landozi, with whose
identity he was we'll enough acquaint-
ed, perhaps / might have needed
greater argument"
"All is we'll that ends WE'LL my good
Sachio!" exclaimed Count Frederick.
BE my guest instead of my host. Ride
with me now to my own home and at
another day l will return with you to
your hunting lodge"
you know this Lady," asked Sachio
aside, nodding towards Kitty.
But slightly" rejoined Count Fred
erick. And your"
But slightly" smiled Saehio, and
he told no more.
'Who is she?" asked the captain of
the troop, soto voce, of Roleau.
Il tell you all, my friends" answered
that sturdy soul. "She is a highness
from abroad. an excellency. Take no
liberties here. She goes to the palace
she is to meet the king"
CTo BE CONTINUED9
The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1915-10-15
CHAPTER VII.
Count Sachio of Grahoffen.


At sunrise of the following morning
Kitty awoke as suddenly as she had
fallen asleep the night before.
After her frugal breakfast with the
old peasant folk-with whom she could
hold no conversation whatever-she
set out for the bedside of the faithful
attendant who had been injured in her
cause
"Roleau. good morning." she said.
How goes it, them"
'Excellently, am quite well.
find my wound not to be serious.
can travel"
Better rest for yet a time" said
Kitty. 1T will be the best medicine
for you. AS for myself, l purpose
now to go out and spy out the land.
She left him. making some excuse
to her peasant hosts, passed out from
the little cottage. She walked on stead
lily, not i'll content after all, until just
as she arrived at the edge of the for
est she noticed advancing from its
depths little party of horsemen, who
were riding swiftly toward her on the
trail.
They came on at a gallop, foreign
looking men, richly clad, dark Of
visage. equipped as though for the