The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-04-28
eleventh EPISODE
THE HOUR OF THREE.


With the ominous forefinger 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?"
1t was in the latest headquarters
to which Craig had chased the Grim
inal, in one of the toughest parts of
New York's great river front section.
Now" went on the Clutching Hand,
II 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 me?"
1t was, as Clutching Hand had said,
Elaines birthday. She had received
many callers and congratulations, in
Vulnerable 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
FIN uora cittipo dicouos;po not oplx-
the happy occasion, but more, the many
strange events of the past few weeks.
We'll, said familiar voice behind
them, what would a certain blonde
young lady accept as birthday pres
ent from her family lawyer"
All three turned in surprise.
"Oh, Mr.. 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"
1t was too gay party to notice a
sinister figure following them in a cab.
Chatting with animation, the three
moved over to the watch counter,
while the crook, with determination
not to risk missing anything, entered
the shop door, too.
"Mr. Thomas asked Susie as her
fathers clerk bowed to them, please
show Miss Dodge the wrist watches
father was telling about"
Unobserved, 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
1t on her dainty wrist when the clerk
interrupted.
Il 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
confidentally 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.
NO. he objected hastily, shaking
his head and paying the money quick
ly. TITS present-and l want 1t to-
night"
He took the watch and left the store
hurriedly.
In the laboratory, Kennedy was
working over an oblong oak box, per.