The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-02-18
FOURTH EPISODE
The Frozen Safe.


Kennedy swung open the door of
our taxicab as we pulled up safe at
last. before the Dodge mansion. after
the rescue of Elaine from the brutal
Vaccinations Of the Clutching Hand.
Bennett was on the step of the cab
in moment. and together, one on
each side Of Elaine, they assisted her
out of the car and up the steps to the
house.
Elaine's Aunt Josephine was wait
ing for US in the drawing-room. very
much worried. The dear old lady was
quite scandalized as Elaine excitedly
+, told of the thrilling events that had
lust taken place.
And to think they-actually-car
ried you!" she exclaimed. Mortified,
adding, "And l not"
But Mr.. Kennedy came along and
saved me just in time" interrupted
Elaine with a smile. Il was we'll
chaperoned!"
Aunt Josephine turned to Craig,
gratefully. How can ever thank you
enough. Mr.. Kennedy" she said fer
vently.
Kennedy was quite embarrassed.
With a smile, Elaine perceived his
discontinue, not at all displeased by it.
Come into the library!" she cried
gayly, taking his arm. 1--we something
to show you"
Where the old safe, which had been
burnt through, had stood, was now
brand-new safe of the very latest
construction and design-one of those
globular safes that look and are SO
formidable.
Here is the new SAFE" she pointed
out brightly. 1T is not only proof
against explosives. but between the
plates is lining that is proof against
thermit and even that oXyacetylene
blowpipe by which you rescued me
from the old boiler. 1t has time
clock, too. that will prevent it's being
opened at night, even if any one should
learn the combination"
They stood before the safe a mo.
ment, and Kennedy examined it close.
~ with much interest.
Wonderful" he admired
Il knew you'd approve of it," cried
Elaine, much pleased. Now | have
something else to show you"
She paused at the desk, and from
drawer took out a portfolio of large
photographs. They were very hand
some photographs of herself
Much more wonderful than the
safe," remarked Craig earnestly. Then,
hesitating and trifle embarrassed,
he added. May I-may / have one?"
III you care for it," she said, drop
ping her eyes, then glancing up at him
quickly.
Care for it," he repeated. 1T will
be one of the greatest treasures"
She slipped the picture quickly into
an envelope. Come" she interrupted.
Aunt Josephine will be wondering
where we are. She-she's a demon
chaperon."
+: Bennett, Aunt Josephine and my.
self were talking earnestly as Elaine
and Craig returned.
+: That morning l had noticed Ken.
f: nedy fussing some time at the door
of our apartment before we went over
/! to the laboratory. AS nearly as
could make out he had placed some.
thing under the rug at the door out
into the hallway.
! well" said Bennett, glancing at
his watch and rising as he turned
70 Elaine. I'm afraid must go now"
He crossed over to where she stood
Ind shook hands. There was no doubt
that Bennett was very much smitten
by his fair client
+: "Good-by. Mr. Bennett" she MUIR
Injured, land thank you so much for
what you have done for me today"
But there was something lifeless
about the words. She turned quickly
ito Craig. who had remained standing.
Must you 60 too. Mr.. Kennedy"
she asked. noticing his position.
Pm afraid Mr.. Jameson and must
!get back on the job before this Clutch
ing Hand gets busy again." he replied
: reluctantly.
"Oh, l hope you've get them soon!"
she exclaimed, and there was nothing
ifeless about the way she gave Craig
her hand, as Bennett. he and ! left a
moment later.
When we approached our door, now,
Craig paused BY pressing little
concealed button he caused a panel
in the wall outside to loosen. disclos.
ling small, boxlike plate in the wall
;underneat,..
1t was about foot long and perhaps
four inches wide. Through it ran q
;piece Of paper which uhrolled from one
iootl and wound up on another, actu-