The Columbus commercial., 1915-03-21
FIFTH EPISODE
The Poisoned Room.


Elaine and Craig we're much togeth-
er during the next few days. Some
how or other, It seemed that the chase
of the Clutching Hand involved long
conferences in the Dodge library, and
even, in fact, extended TO excursions
into the notoriously crime-infested
neighborhood Of Riverside drive, with
its fashionable procession of automo-
biles and go-carts-as far north, in
deed, as that desperate haunt known
as Grants tomb.
But to return to the more serious
side of the affair
Kennedy and Elaine had scarcely
come out of the house and descended
the steps, one afternoon, when sinis-
ter face appeared in basement area
way near by.
1t was the Clutching Hand
He wore a telephone inspectors hat
and coat and carried a bag slung by a
strap over his shoulder. For once he
had left off his mask, but, in place of
1t, his face was covered by scraggy
black beard. The disguise was effec
tive.
He saw Kennedy and Miss Dodge
and skunk unobtrusively against q
railing, with his head turned away
Laughing and chatting, they passed
Then he turned in the other direc
tion and, going up the steps of thu
Dodge house, rang the bell.
Telephone inspector" he said in
loud tone as Michael, in Jennings
place for the afternoon, opened tn
door.
He accompanied the words with tn
sign, and Michael admitted him,
As II happened, Aunt Josephine wa
upstairs In Elaine's room. She wa
fixing flowers in vase on the dress
ing table OF her idoized niece Near
while, Rusty, the collie, lay, half blinl
ing, on the floor.
''Who is this?" she asked, as M
chael led the bogus telephone inspeC
tor into the room.
"A man from the telephone con
pany," he answered deferentially.
Aunt Josephine, unsophisticated a
lowed them to enter without furthe
question.
Quickly. like a good workman
Clutching Hand went to the telephon
instrument and by dint OF keeping h
finger on the hook and his back
Aunt Josephine succeeded in conve
ing the Illusion that he was examinir
it,
No sooner was the door shut tha
the Clutching Hand hastily opened b
bag and from it drew small powde
spraying outfit, such as | have see
used for spraying bug powder. i
then took out sort of muzzle wit
an elastic band on it and slipped
over his head SO that the muzzle pr
tected his nose and mouth.
He seemed to work a sort of pun
ing attachment and from the nozzle
the spraying instrument blew out
cloud of powder which he directed
the wall.
Meanwhile, Michael, in the hallwa
on guard to see that no one bother,
the Clutching Hand at his work, W
overcome by curiosity TO see what b
master was doing He opened {
door a little bit and gazed steslthi
through the crack into the room.
Clutching Hand was now sprayi
the rug close to the dressing table
Elaine and was standing near the m
ror. He stopped down to examine {
rug. Then, as he raised his head,
happened to look into the mirror.
1t he could see the full reflection
Michael behind him, gazing into
room.
"The scoundrel!" muttered Clut
ing Hand, with repressed fury at
discovery.
He rose quickly and shut off
spraying instrument, stufiing IL l
the bag. He took a step or two tow
the door. Michael drew back, Il
fully, pretending now TO be on gui
Clutching Hand opened the d
and. still wearing the muzzle, b'
oned to Michael Michael &C
scarcely control his fears But
obeyed, entering Elaines room a
the Clutching Hand, who locked
door.
Were you watching me?" dem'
ed the master criminal, with rage
Michael, trembling oil over, sh
bis head. For a moment Clutci
Hand looked him over disdainf
at the clumsy lie.
Then he brutally struck Michae
the face, knocking him down. An