davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-07-20


Craig, the secretary and myself made
a rush for the door to Benefits pri-
vate office. Finding It locked, we be-
gan to batter it.
By this time, however, Bennett had
hurled himself upon Elaine and was
slowly choking her
Kennedy found that it was impos-
sible to batter down the door in time
by any ordinary means. Quickly he
seized the typewriter and hurled it
through the panels. Then he thrust
his hand through the opening and
turned the catch.
AS we flung ourselves into the room
Bennett rushed into closet in cor
ner, slamming the door behind him. It
was composed of sheet iron, and effec-
tually prevented anyone from break
ing through. Kennedy and tried vain
ly, however, to pry it open.
While we we're thus endeavoring to
force an entrance Bennett, in sort
of closet, had put on the coat, hat
and mask which he invariably wore
in the character Of the Clutching
Hand. Then he cautiously opened
secret door in the back of the closet
and slowly made an exit.
Meanwhile the secretary had been
doing his best to revive Elaine, who
was on the floor. historical and half
unconscious from the terrible shock
she had experienced.
Intent on discovering Benefits
whereabouts, Kennedy and examined
the wall Of the Office. thinking there
might be some button or secret spring
which would open the closet door.
While we were doing SO the door
of large safe in the secretary's Of
fee gradually opened, and the Clutch
ing Hand emerged from It, stepping
carefully toward the door leading to
The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-07-20

the guard had pulled the gate shut.
when young lady in a terrified tumnlt
rushed towards it.
"Ah, it must be Miss Nettleton at
last!" Roy decided, but he traced no
familiar features in the eager, excited
face. He grabbed her arm.
"Quickl" he said simply, .'the train
is just pulling out. I have the tick
cts"
Breathlessly, the girl allowed him to
rush her through the gate. They just
caught the last car Then the door
locked against them, they stood on
the rear platform of the coach and
looked at one another
AS to Roy, he could scarcely real
lie that this dancing-eyed. joIly-faced
girl beside him was the dowdy, sour
visaged Miss Nettleton to whom he
had taken such an aversion five years
previous. The conductor came and
let them into the coach.
IF you please. let me take seat
In the shadow here" prettily pleaded
the young girl. Il have headache
from hurrying so. The light hurts my
eyes, too"
why, certainly" answered Roy, ar
he turned seat and sat down oppo-
site to her, laying aside his light over
coat and hat.
"Dearl l am quite chillyl" shivered
his companion. 1T will pass away If
can rest for little. May II" and as
he nodded promptly, she took up his
overcoat and wrapped It about her.
Then she asked him to place her hat
In the rack overhead. When he had
done this, he was surprised to see that
she had appropriated his own broad
brimmed hat.
1t shades my poor. suffering eyes SO
splendidly." she explained, looking for
all the world like some pretty boy as
she snuggled into the corner of the
seat.
We'll. she. is an originalI" COM
mented Roy. a little wonderingIy.
He passed the tickets to the con-
ductor as he came along. That Official
was accompanied by two men. They
looked like detectives. They scanned
the various passengers sharply.
Well, remarked one of them, as he
reached the end Of the coach, shes
not aboard this train. Wen get on
at the junction and wait for the next
one.s
Abruptly. as the train left the juno
The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-07-20

ton. Roy's companion magically
awoke from invalid lethargy to the
utmost animation and talkativeness.
She pronounced her headache and
panied eyes gone. She dazzled him
with smiles, chatting and laughing.
She accepted his flowers with a CRATE
full look that thrilled him. She took
to the candy like some bright school
girl She charmed, she enthralled.
Sister Nettie will be SO glad to see
you," he had said.
Dear Sister Nettie!" murmured his
companion, and Roy eyed her strange
ly as he detected the faintest under
tone chuckle in the utterance
When he told her of the profession
for which he had recently qualified.
that of lawyer, she betrayed SO
great an interest in the fact that he
was puzzled
They reached Milburn as veil ac-
quainted as Il they had been close
friends for years. She grew suddenly
serious as they left the train, and hest
tated as he led her to the carriage in
waiting.
Had not better-that is-perhaps
had better not see your sister until
tomorrow" she stammered vaguely.
why. Nettie is expecting you!' re-
piled Roy, fairly astounded and mys-
titled at the strange remarks.
MY dear Irenei" cried Mrs. Doug
las, ready to rush into the arms of her
visitor as she was ushered into the
house by Roy. Then she paused.
why, who is this?" she asked, vague
~.
Her guest sat down in the nearest
chair. Her bonny face grew pale. She
controlled herself in moment or two
She arose to her feet. All the ANNA
ton and fun was gone from her sunny
face.
IT am an impostorl' she sobbed. Il
hope you good people will forgive me.
but had to do 1t toto escape"
ITO escape what?" projected the per-
picked Roy.
It was brief but an interesting
story. It told Of wicked tyrant, of a
guardian, of plot to defraud her Of
a fortune. She was Violet Hayes. She
had been accepted as Miss Nettleton
by Roy, and 1t. enabled her to escape
emissaries Of her uncle looking for
her
you see" she said, with a bewitch-
ing look Of appeal at Roy, you are a
lawyer, and have lot Of papers to
be looked over, and So"
"You poor, homeless deari" ex-
claimed Mrs. Douglas. and she took
the orphan and stranger into her low
ing arms. "But what can have become
Of Irene?"
irene had eloped with young man
her parents opposed, they learned
next day.
Roy actually became the attorney OF
Miss Hayes, and Nettie her best
friend They soon Strengthened out
the tangle Of her affairs.
Nettie wanted her as sister, and
Roy as life companion. and Violet
loved them both so much she could
not say them nay.
Copyright, 1915. by W. G. Chapman)
The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-07-20

Walter he exclaimed as he re-
Joined US in the drawing room, where
I was chatting with Aunt Josephine,
I'VE must be off again. The trail fol-
lows still farther"
An hour or so later, Elaine, whose
mind was now in a whirl from what
had happened, decided to make a call
on her lawyer and the confidant Of her
father, Perry Bennett
As Elaine entered his private office,
Bennett rose to greet her -effusively
and they exchanged q few words.
IT mustn't forget to thank you for
those lovely roses you sent me- she
exclaimed at length. They were
beautiful, and l appreciated them ever
so much"
A moment later Bennett led the
conversation around until he found an
opportunity to make tactful allusion
to the report Of their engagement In
the morning papers.
He had leaned over, and now at
tempted to take her hand. She with
drew it, however. There was some
thing about his touch which, try as
she might, she could not like. Was 1t
mere prejudice or was 1t her keen
woman's intpition7
Bennett looked at her a moment,
suppressing momentary flash of an
ger that had Redeemed his face, and
controlled himself as If by super
human effort.
Il believe you really love that man
Kennedy" he exclaimed in a tone that
was almost hiss. But tell you,
Elaine, he is all bluff Why, he has
been after that Clutching Hand now
for three months-and what has he
accomplished? Nothing!"
He paused. Through Elaine's mind
there flashed the contrast with Ken
The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-07-20
HIS SISTERS CHUM
BY MILDRED CAROLINE GOOD
RIDGE.


Miss Nettleton will be at the 7:2O
train. Be a good brother, and show
her every attention."
This was the telegram at which Roy
Eastburn stood looking with a wry
face.
It had been antedated by various
letters, all from his sister, at MilbuTn,
hundred miles away-his married
sister, Mrs. Nettie Douglas Roy
knew what it all meant Miss Irene
Nettleton was his sisters dearest
school chum. Then, too. she was rich.
Once only Roy had met her, gawky,
disagreeable, purse-proud girl of AT
teen. That was five years agone.
Even now the old dislike came to his
mind.
"If Irene is bent upon match. 1t
won't work." he decided forcibly.
Miss Nettleton's manner may have
changed, but the old-time selfish heart,
never!"
Like dutiful brother, he went down
In the depot at the time appointed. On
the way he bought dozen roses at a
dollar apiece, two-pound box of the
choicest chocolates. half dozen Of the
latest magazines and two railroad
tickets to Milburn.
'That will occupy her till l deliver
her safely into Sister Nettie's charge"
he soliloquized Then I'll make my.
escape, some way"
Roy reached the depot half an hour
before train time. His sister had for
gotten to post him as to the difference
between Miss Nettleton at fifteen
and the same young lady at twenty.
He fancied, however, their mutually
looking for one another would bring
things about all right
Roy found himself all at sea regard
ing this. He spoke to two young
ladies by mistake. He grew confused
and anxious as ten, twenty, twenty live
minutes passed by. Then he moved
out to the gate and scanned every
young lady who passed through it.
She hasn't come" he declared, as
the conductors sonorous, All
aboard" rang out. The guard clicked
the chain Of the gate to hasten some
late corners. The train was moving.
The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-07-20
Sell Bomb at Auction.

First Aeroplane Bomb--A contribu-
ton to the fund has been made in the
shape Of fragment of the first bomb
which fell on English soil in this Euro
pean war. The contributor considers
that, as an enduring record of the war,
the fragment should increase In value
as time goes on, and he has decided
that it shall be offered for sale to the
highest bidder, and the amount rea-
lized credited to the Times fund for
the sick and wounded. The donor will
give to the purchaser of this fragment
Of the bomb the authentic history of
how it came into his possession. The
highest bid received will be accepted.
From the London Times.
The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-07-20

nedy's even temper and deferential
manner
Bennett. by another effort, seemed
to grip his temper again. He paced
up and down the room. Then he
changed the subject abruptly, and the
conversation was resumed with some
constraint.
While Elaine and Bennett were talk
ing Kennedy and had entered the Of
fee.
Craig stopped the boy who was
about to announce us and asked for
Benefits secretary instead, much to
my establishment.
The boy merely indicated the door
Of one of the other private offices, and
we entered,
We found the secretary hard at
work at the typewriter, copying a
legal document. Without word Ken
nedy at once locked the door.
The secretary rose. in Surprise, but
Craig paid no attention to him. In
stead he calmly walked over to the
machine and began to examine it.
Might l ask"-began the secretary.
You keep quiet" ordered Kennedy.
with nod to me to watch the fellow.
you are under arrest-and the less
you say the better for you"
! shall never forget the look that
crossed the secretary's face Was 1t
the surprise Of an innocent man?
Taking the mans place at the ma
chine Kennedy removed the legal pa
per that was in 1t and put in a new
sheet. Then he tapped out. as we
watchedi
The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-07-20

The New York police are mystifed by
g series of murders and other crimes
The principal clue to the criminal Is the
warning letter which Is sent the victims,
signed with "ciutching hand" The lat
eat Victim Of the mysterious assassin Is
Taylor Dodge the Insurance president
His daughter, Elaine, employs Craig Ken
nedy, the famous scientific detective, to
nedy accomplishes Is told by his friend
Jameson, q newspaper man, Enraged at
the determined effort which Elaine and
Craig Kennedy are making TO put an end
to his crimes, the C1ptching Hand, as
this strange criminal ls known. resorts
to all sorts of the most diaboiioal schemes
to put them out Of the way. Each chap
ter OF the story tells Of p new pi6t
great detective uses all his skin to save
this pretty girl and himself from death,
The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-07-20

He Rad a CoIIectIon OF 7 heF1l.
I've just got little note from
Cousin John" she said. "Shan read
It to your"
mo, he said quietly. ut won't be
necessary. I've got six of his notes
now and they're no good. Detroit
Free Press.
The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-07-20
BE AT HEADoUARTERs AT IL. DE-
STROY THIS IMMEDIATELY.
TlNcTURE OF IODINE
HhnRR Han-e @e

THREE FAf1 . OF-
This IL his contention - whereas
TRUTH Is the only goal and MATTER
Is nonexIstent-
Observation-Disclosures
Look, Walter ne exclaimed as he
drew out the paper from the machine.
l bent over. and together we COM
pared the rs with those In the Clutch
ing Hand letter. the paper from the
bomb and the letter which Craig had
taken from Elaine's desk
AS Craig pointed out the resem-
blances with a pencil my amaze
ment gradually changed into
comprehension and comprehension
into conviction. The meaning Of 1t all
began to dawn on me.
The writing was Identical There
were no differencesi =
While we were locked In the secre-
tary's Office Bennett and Elaine were
continuing their chat on various social
topics. Suddenly, however, with a
glance at the clock, Bennett told Elaine
that he had an important letter to die
tate and that it must go on at once.
She said that she would excuse him
a few minutes, and he pressed a but.
ton to call his secretary.
OF course, the secretary did not ap-
pear. Bennett left HIS Office. with
some annoyance, and went into the adj
joining room, the door to which Ken
nedy had not locked.
He hesitated moment, then opened
the door quietly To his establishment
he saw Kennedy, the secretary and
myself apparently making close ex-
animation Of the typewriter.
Gliding. rather than walking back
into his own Office. he closed the door
and locked It, Almost instantly fear
and fury at the presence of his hated
rival. Kennedy, turned Bennett, as 1t
were, from the Jekyll of polished
lawyer and lover OF Elaine into an In
sanely Jealous and revengeful Mr..
Hyde. The strain was more than his
warped mind could bear.
With q look Of intense horror and
loathing Elaine watched him slowly
change from the composed, calm, In
tellectual Bennett she knew and re-
spected into repulsive. mad figure of
a man.
His stature even seemed to be al
tered. He seemed to shrivel up and
become deformed. His face was terribly
distorted.
And his long. sinewy hand slowly
twisted and bent until he became the
personal embodiment OF the Clutching
Hand.
AS Elaine, transfixed with terror,
watched Benefits astounding meta
morphosis, he ran to the door leading
to the outer Office and hastily locked
that also.
Then. with his eyes cleaning with
rage and his hands working In murder
Gus frenzy. he crouched nearer and
nearer, toward Elaine.
She shrank back, screaming again
and again In terror.
He was the Clutching Hand.
In spite Of closed doors we could
now plainly hear Elaine's shrieks.
The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-07-20
SOCIETY NOTES.

Dame Rumor 10 connecting the
name Of Miss Elaine Dodge, the
helress, with that Of Perry Ben
nett, the famous young lawyer.
The announcement Of an engage
ment between them at any time
would not surprise.
The Little River news., 1915-12-18

unty convention held in 1916 shall elect Judicial Central Committee from their county, and shall elect such delegates from their county to the Judicial Convention, as they are entitled to, and Judicial convention be, and the same is hereby called to meet at Ashdown, Arkansas, on the 18th day of April, 1916, for the pur- pose of receiving and canvassing the votes fer Judicial officers from the respective counties and declaring the nominees.
 Resulved Further: That the Sec retary be instructed to furnish to the Secretary of each County Central Committee, a copy of this resolution.
 JUNE R. MORRELL, Seiretary.
 State of Arkansas, County of Little River. I, Jnne R. Morrell, Secretary of the Judicial Central Committee do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of the meeting of the Judicial Central Committee, held in Ashdown, Arkan- sas, Dec. 9th, 1915.
 JUNE R. MORRELL, Secretary.
The Little River news., 1915-12-18
Winthrop News.

Winthrop, Dec 16.-(Special.)- Mrs. Fred Turrentine and Miss Jennie Walker were shopping in TexarKana Tuesday.
 Wallace Webb was in Horatlo a few days this week.
 A. J. Overgeld and Misses Addie Morgan and Ethel Hurley were visi- tors in Horatio Sunday afternoon.
 Nye Black returned from Sentinel, Okla., last week.
 Dr. and Mrs. Peavy were iE Tex arkana Sunday evening.
 Marshal Tapp returned home from Oklahoma last week.
 Mrs. J. c. Click and niece, Miss Claudio Bcram, were shopping in Texarkana Tuesday of last last week.
 w. D. Waldrop was Up from Ash down Sunday.
 Rev. O'neal of Ashdown held ser vke at the Baptist h,drch Sunday at eleven and Sunday evening also.
The Little River news., 1915-12-18
HONOR ROLL
For the Third Month of the AshdOwh
 Public Schools.

Second Grade-Clotiel Free, Neva Gist, Martin Nolan, Anna Throckmor- ton.
 Third Grade-Clyde Briant, Julia Bass, Pallie Nolan, Eolia Phillips, Juanita Twyman, Grace Thompson, Dot Westbrook, Fife Harrison, Lillie Henry.
 Fourth Grade-Sadie Grounds, Eth el Keener, Lon Jones.
 Fifth Grade,--Reva Bishcp, Mild red Johnson, Essie Nolan, Christine Thompson, Willie Buster.
 Sixth Grade-Beth Bowling, Fife Draper. Jetty Judge, Eathel Treas Myrtle Treas, Mary Poland, Fife Marr Westbrook, Jimmie Cummins, Curtis Wimberly.
 Sixth Grade A-Martha Pierce, Eli zabeth Pierce, Ursa Ringgold, Irene Jester, Selma Flemings.
 Seventh Grade-Hilda Majors, Will lie Bishop, Katherine Trice, Vernon Lott
 High School Grades-Pearl Dowda, Glenn Middlebrook, Louise Coats, AL va Wilson, Ruth Fawcett, Rosa Hall.
The Little River news., 1915-12-18
ARRESTED
 A SLICK ONE;
Sheriff Waidrop Arrests Man Making Specially of Trimming Real
 Estate Men.

On information given by w. M. Gilstrap, real estate dealer iron. DeQueen, Sheriff Waldrcp Thurs day arrested an old man about 5S ing. It is alleged by Giistrap, that the man. A. Johnson, or w. l.. John son, makes Q speciality cr trimming real estate men. He is said to have been the man who obtained $50 two or three years ago by having w. L.. Perkins endorse 8 worthless check.
 Gilstrap states that Johnson cc1- tracted with him at DeQueen several days ago for farm. He left a con- tract and check for $50 on bank in his alleged distant home town. He said he was coming to Ashdown and would be back the next day and take up the check, for $50 with . draft he was expecting of a large amount to be applied as first pay ment on the farm. He asked them not to send the small check in, but to hold it until the next day. It look ed good to the real estate man. John- son felt in his pocket and found that he did not have enough money with him to come to Ashdown to see his wife. He also wanted to help the sister some, who was working in a store and in destitute circumstances. Would tlre real estate man kindly en- dorse his check so he could get money to tide him over until the draft came They would most certainly for $1O. He only wanted five, but made it for ten. Johnson failed to show up the next day. Gilstrap came to Ashdown but could not find Johnscn, and there was no woman here, who fitted the destitute sisters description There appeared to be no wife and no John- son. MT. Waldrop picked Johnson up Thursday lounging around the depot. He was identified by Gilstrap. Mir. Gilstrap believes that Johnson is modest in his "tcuches" with story that sounds so plausible.
The Little River news., 1915-12-18

urday, which proved a pleasant and satisfactory affair. A little over S100 was reported as the net proceeds cf the sale and dinner; this will be us ed for the various branches of church work enterprised by this society Af- ter discussing the reception to the new pastor" and his wife of the pre- vious night, which was indeed a mosa pleasant affair, the society adjourn ed until the holidays.
 The annual election was held by this society at a recent meeting re- sulting as follows:
 President, Mrs. w. L. Phillips.
 First vice president, Mrs. D. P. Holmes.
 Seccrd vice president, Mrs. c. L.. Rriant
 Superintendent Mission Study, Mrs. 9 T. Graves
 Superintendent of Local Work, Mrs. J. M. Johnson Superintendent Social Service, Mrs. J. 2. Steel.
 Press Superintendent, Mrs. A. D. Du Laney.
 Treasurer, Mrs. R. M. Price.
 Local Treasurer, Mrs. o. Leslie.
 Recording Secretary, Mrs. E. C. Penuel.
 Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Eth el M. Sims.
The Little River news., 1915-12-18
EXEMPTS WAR VETERANS
Bill in House by Carraway Makes Il
 Easier for Soldiers to Get Jobs.

Washington, Dec. 14.-Under the provisions of bill introduced by Congressman T. H. Caraway, veterans the rule of the civil service, which fixes the age limit of fcMrth-class postmasters at 60 years. Mr. Cara way says that under the present rul- es nc veteran of the Civil war is eli gible as fourth-class postmaster, and that if there is to be any discrimina- ton it should be in the veterans fa- vor. Union and Confederate veterans alike are included in the provisions of the bill.
The Little River news., 1915-12-18
PHILLIP COLLINS.

Dear Santa: Did you get my let ter? Did you get that money wna: sent you to pay for them things Be sure and bring that pistol and holder and hook and ladder truck that l wrote for Come down the chim- ney in our living room, as 1t mighs be little fire in the other fire places. Don't let the reindeers run away with you. Be sure to hold on to the sleigh. We will have a cake for ycM on this side of the fire place. Don't make no noise on top of the house cause you will wake us up.
 Good bye. good old Santa, write me a letter if you have time.
 From HAMILTON ORTON.