The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1915-04-08

- ~ w AhN HbAANNANtNg
leaping back to turn in an alarm from
the special apparatus upstairs.
All except Martin began beating out
the flames. using such weapons az
they already held in their hands to
batter down the door.
To Martin there was one thing para.
mount-the jewels.
In the midst Of the confusion, Elaine,
closely followed by her friend, Susie,
made her way fearlessly into the stiae
OF smoke down the stairs.
There are your jewels, Mr.. Martin"
cried Kennedy. kicking the precious
burlap bag with his foot as II Il had
been so much ordinary merchandise,
and turning toward what was In his
mind the most important thing at
stake-the direction taken by the
agents OF the Clutching Hand. ,
Thank heaven" calculated Martin,
fairly bouncing on the bag and tearing
II open. They didn't get away with
them-after ALI" he exclaimed, exam.
ming the contents with satisfaction.
bNeHts were moving rapluly,
The Limousine had been standing IN.
n%ocently enough at the curb hear the
corner, with the taxicab close be-
hind II.
Less than ten minutes after they
had entered, three welldressed men
came out OF the vacant shop, appar.
emily from the tailor's above. and
climbed leisurely into their car.
As the last one entered. he half
turned to the taxicab driver, hiding
from ~passers.by the sign OF the Clutch.
ing Hand. which the taxicab driver re-
turned in the same manner Then the
big a whirled up the avenue
All this we learned later from a
street sweeper who was at work near
by.
Down below, while the police and
detectives were putting out the fire,
Kennedy was examining the wall Of
the cellar, looking for the spot where
the crooks had escaped.
"A secret door" he exclaimed, as
he paused after tapping alons the wall
TO determine It's character. You can
see how the force OF the explosion has
loosened H."
Sure enough. when he pointed Il out
to US, II was plainly visible. One Of
the detectives picked up a crowbar and
others, still with the hastily selected
implements they had seized to fight
the fire, started In to pry It open.
As II yielded Kennedy rushed his
way through: Elaine, always utterly
fearless. followed. Then the rest Of
US went through.
There seemed 10 be nothing. how.
ever. that would help us in the cellar
door, and Kennedy mounted the
steps OF a stairway in the rear.
The stairway led TO n sort OF store.
room. fun OF barrels and boxes. but
otherwise characterless. When I ar.
rived Kennedy was ~gingerly boiling
up the smocks which the crooks had
worn.
We're on the right trail" comment.
ed Elaine as he showed them TO her.
but where do you suppose the own.
are"
Craig shrugged his shoulders and
a quick look about. Evidently
they zane in from and went away by
the street" he observed, hurrying 10
the door, followed by Elaine.
On the sidewalk he gazcd up the
avenue. then catching sight OF the
street cleaner. called 10 him.
Yes. sor," replied the man, stolldly' ]
up from his work. Il see three
come out and get into an
which way did they go?" asked
Kennedy.
For answer the man jerked his
thumb over his shoulder In the general
direction uptown.
With keen glance, Kennedy strained
HIS eyes. Far up the avenue he could
the car threading It's way In
and on. among the Others. Just about
disappearing.
4 moment later Craig caught sight
of the vacant taxicab and rocked his
lnger at the driver, who answered
promptly by cranking his engine.
You saw that limousine standing
asked Craig.
Yes nodded the chauffeur, with a
show OF alertness.
We'll. follow g." ordered Kennedy,
into the cab.
Yes. sir"
Craig vas Just about 10 close the
ioor when a slight figure flashed past
us and a dainty foot was placed on the
step.
please, Mr.. Kennedy" pleaded
let me go. They may lead TO
fathers slayer
She said II so earnestly that Craig
scarcely have resisted II he had
10 do so
Just as Elaine and Kennedy we're
of | came out OF the vacant
store, with Bennett and the detectives.
Craig" | cried. Where are you
going"
Kennedy stuck his head M OF the
window. and | am quite sure that no
was not altogether displeased that
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