Omaha daily bee., 1915-01-24

sitting his suppressed fury.
We stood looking at the safe. Kennedy was
deeply interested Elaine standing close beside him.
Suddenly he seemed to make up his mind.
"Quick-Elane!" he CRIED taking her arm.
STAND back!"
We all retreated. The safe door, powerful it
was. had actually begun to warp and bend. The
plates were bullying moment later with a loud
report and conclusion the door blew off.
blast of cold air and flakes like snow flew
out. Papers scattered every side.
We stood gazing, aghast, second, then
forward. Kennedy quickly examined the safe. He
bent down and from the wreck took up a package.
now covered with white.
AS quickly he dropped it.
THAT is the package that was sent" cried
Elaine.
Taking it in a table cover, he laid it on the
table and opened it. Inside was peculiar shaped
flask, open at the top, but like a vacuum bottle.
"a Dewar flask" calculated Craig.
What is is?" asked Elaine, appealing to him.
Liquid air!" he answered. "As it evaporated,
the terrific pressure of expanding air in the safe
increased uHtl it blew out the door. That is what
caused the cold sweating and the groans."
We watched him, startled
On the other side Of the portirees Michael and
Clutching Hand waited Then in the general con-
fusion, Clutchng Hand slowly disappeared, foiled.
Where did this package come from?" asked
Kennedy of Jennings suspiciously.
Jennings looked blank.
why" put in Elaine, Michael brought it to
me-"
Get Michael ordered Kennedy.
moment later he returned. 81 found him.
going upstairs" reported Jennings. leading
Michael in.
Where did you get this package?" shot out
Kennedy.
1T was left at the door sir, by boy sir"
Question after question could not shake that
simple, stolid sentence. Kennedy frowned
You may CO." he said finally as if reservng
something for Michael later.
sudden exclamation followed from Elaine as
Michael passed down the hall again. She had
moved over to the desk. during the questioning
and was leaning against it.
inadvertently she had touched an envelope 1t
was addressed, "Craig Kennedy"
Craig tore it open, Elaine bending anxiousy
his shoulder, frightened.
We read:
' YOU HAVE INTERPRETED FOR THE
LAST TIME. 1T IS THE END"
The warning of the Clutching Hand had no
other effect Kennedy than the redoubling of his
precautions for safety. Nothing further happened
that night, however, and the next morning found
early at the laboratory
1t the late forenoon, when after a hurried
trip down to the office, rejoined Kennedy at his
scientific workshop.
We walked down the street when big limou-
sine shot past. Kennedy stopped in the middle of
remark. He had recognized the car, with a sort
of instinct
At the same moment smiling face at the
window of the 1t was Elaine Dodge.
The stopped in something less than twice
its length and then backed toward u.s.
Kennedy, hat off, was at the window in a mo-
ment. There were Aunt Josephine and Susie
Martin, also.
Where are you boys going?" asked Elaine,
with interest, then added with gaiety that i'll con-
cealed her real anxiety, I'm so glad to see you
to see that-or-nothing has happened from the
dreadful Clutching Hand"
why, We were just going to our rooms" re-
piled Kennedy.
Cant drive you around?"
We climbed in and moment later were off.
The ride only too short for Kennedy We
stepped out in front of our apartment and stood
chatting for a moment.
Some day want to show you the laboratory"
Craig was saying
1T must be so-interesting!" exclaimed Elaine
enthusiastically. Think of all the bad men you
must have caught"
Il have quite collection of stuff here at our
rooms" remarked Craig almost museum. STILL"
he ventured. 81 can't promise that the place is in
order" he laughed.
Elaine hesitated. Would you like to see it?"
she wheedled of Aunt Josephine.
Aunt Josephine nodded aequiescence, and a
moment later all entered the building
"You-you very careful since that last warn.e
ing?" asked Elaine approached our door
More than ever-now" replied Craig Il hav,
made up my mind to win
She seemed to catch at the words as thougA
they had a hidden meaning. looking first at hin,
and then away. not dspeased.
Kennedy had started to unlock the door. when
he stopped short
"see,' he said, this is precauton have Just
installed almost forget in the excitement"
He pressed a panel and disclosed the box-like
apparatus
This is my seismograph, which tells me
whether have had any visitors in my absence. If
the pen traces straight line, it is all right but if
-hello-Walter, the line is wavy."
We exchanged a significant glance.