The hummer. (Houston, Miss.) 1914-19??, 1915-08-06

Craig bent down with the knife and
the tube, then paused moment and
turned to tube so that 4e could see It.
On the label we're the ominous
words:
Germ Culture 624sA
Bacillus Leprae (Leprosy)
Calmly he took the knife and pro
ceeded to make an incision In the
mans arm. The crooks feelings I'M
derwent a terrific struggle.
''No-no-no-don he implored.
Il win take you to the Clutching
Hand-even IL he kills mel"
Kennedy stepped back, replacing
the tube in his pocket
Very well. go aheadl" he agreed.
We followed the crook, Craig still
holding the deadly box Of illuminate OF
mercury carefully balanced so that
If anyone shot him from a hiding place
It would drop.
No sooner had we gone than Gertie
hurried to the nearest telephone to
inform the Cluehing Hand Of our
escape.
Elaine had sunk back into the chair
as the telephone rang. Clutching
Hand answered it.
A moment later. in uncomfortable
fury he hurled the instrument to the
floor.
"Here-we've got to act quickly
that devil has escaped again" he
Kissed I'VE must get her away. You
keep her here, I'll be back-right
away-with a car"
He dashed madly from the church,
pulling of his mask as he gained the
street.
Kennedy had forced the crook ahead
Of us into the car which was waiting,
and followed. taking the wheel this
time.
Which way, now-Quickl" demand
cd Craig. And If you get me in
wrong-Ive got that tube yet--you re-
member"
Our crook started off with a whole
burst Of directions that rivaled the
motor through the town, fol-
lowing trolley tracks, Jog right, jog
left under the railroad bridge leaving
trolley tracks; at the cemetery turn
left, stopping at the old stone church"
"Is this it," asked Craig incredu-
lousy.
"Yes-as live" swore the crook
in a eowed voice.
He had gone to pieces. Kennedy
jumped from the machine.
Here, take this gun. Walter" he
said to me. Don't take your eyes OF
the fellow-keep him covered"
Craig walked around the church, out
Of sight, until he came to a small
vestry window and looked in.
There was Elaine, sitting in a chair,
and near her stood an elderlylooking
man in clerical garb, which to Craig's
trained eye was quite evidently a dis
guise.
Elaine happened just then to glance
at the window and her eyes grew
wide with establishment at the sight
Of Craig.
He made a hasty motion to her to
make a dash for the door She nodded
quietly.
With a glance at her guardian she
suddenly made a rush.
He was at her in a moment, pounc
ing on her. catlike.
Kennedy had seized an iron bar that
lay beside the window where sons
, workmen had been repairing the stone
pavement. and with a blow shattered
the glass and the sash.
At the sound Of the smashing glass
the crook turned and with a mighty
. effort threw Elaine aside. drawing his
revolver. AS he raised It, Elaine
sprang at him and frantically seized
his wrist.
Utterly merciless the man brought
the butt Of the gun down with full
force on Elaine's head. Only her hai
/ and hair saved her. but she sank IN
conscious.
Then he turned at Craig and hreS
] twice.
D One shot grazed Craigs hat, but tn,
other struck him in he shoulder ans
Kennedy reeled.
With a desperate effort he pulled
himself toward her and leaped forwar,
. again, closing with the fellow an,
D wrenching the gun from him befor'
: he could FIRE again.
: Just then the man broke away an,
made a dash for the door leading bacl
into the church itself. with Kennel.
! after him.
!. Up he went into the choir loft ant
p then into the belfry itself. There the
came to sheer hand-to-hand struggle
3 Kennedy tripped on a loose board. an,
would have fallen backwards If he hal
not been able to recover himself Jus
d in time. The crook, desperate, leapel