Omaha daily bee., 1915-01-03

porter who tries to interview him here" she an
swered
l about to prolong the waiting time by
some jolly about such a stunning girl not having
by any possibility such a cannibaI of a parent,
when the rattle OF the changing gears OF car out
side told OF the approach of a Limousine.
The big front door opened, and Elaine flung
herself in the arms OF elderly, stern faced,
gray-hared man. why, Dad" she cried, where
have you been? ! missed you so much at dinner
III be 80 glad when this terrible business gets
cleared UP. Tell-me. What is ON your mind?
What is 1t that worries you now?"
noticed then that Dodge seemed wrought UP
end bit unneryed, for he sank rather heavily
into chair, brushed his face with a handkerchief
and breathed heavily Elaine lowered over hm
soicitously, repeating her question.
With mighty effort he~seemed to get himself
together He rose and turned to Bennett.
Harry" he exclaimed, I've got the CIutehing
Hand"
The two stared at each other.
YES" continued Dodge, "Ive found out how
to trace IT. and tomorrow 1 going to set the
alarms of the city at rest by exposing-'
Just then Dodge caught sight of me- For the
moment thought perhaps he was going to fulfill
his threat.
who the devil-why didn't you tell me a re-
porter was here. Jennings?" he sputtered indig-
nantly, pointing toward the door.
Argument entreaty, were OF no avail. He
stamped crustiy into the library, taking Bennett
with him and leaving with Elaine. Inside
could hear them talking, and managed to catch
enough to piece together the story. / wanted to
stay. but Elaine, smiling at my enthusiasm, shook
her head and held out her hand in one Of her
frank stFaight-arm handshakes. There was moth
ing to do but go.
At least reflected. had the greater part of
the story-all except the one big thing, however
the name of the criminal. But Dodge would know
HIM tomorrow
hurried back to the Star to write my story
in time to catch the last morning edition. .
Meanwhile. II 1 may anticipate my story
must tell OF what we later learned had happened
to Dodge so completely to upset him.
Ever since the Consolidated Mutual had bsea
hit by the murders. he had had many lines out in
the hope OF enmeshing the perpetratOr. That
night, as found out the next day. he had at last
heard of clue. One of the company's detectives
had brought in red headed, lame. partly par
alyEed crook. who enjoyed the expressive monniker
Of "Lmpy Red" "Limpy Red" a gunman OF
seine renown, evil faced. and. having nothing much
to lose, desperate. Whoever the master criminal
of the Clutching Hand might have been he had
seen fit to employ "Limpy," but had not taken the
precaution OF getting rid of him soon enough when
he was through.
Therefore Limpy had a grievance and now de-
scended under pressure TO the low level OF sntch-
ing to Dodge in his office
mo- governor" the trembling wretch had said
as he handed over grimy envelope Il amt never
seen his face-but here is directions how to find
his hangout."
AS Limpy ambled out, he turned to Dodge.
Quiverlng at the enormity OF his objectionable sin
in gangland "For Gods sake. governor" he Inn
rlored, don't let on how you found outl"
And yet Limpy Red had scarcely left with his
promise not to tell. when Dodge. happening to turn
over some papers. came upon envelope left on
his own desk bearing that mysterious clutching
hand.
He tore IL open. and read in amazement;
Destroy Limpy Reds instructions within the
next hour"