Omaha daily bee., 1915-02-07
CHAPTER vi.
The Vampire
Copyright, 1915, by the Star Company.
All Foreign Rights Reserved.

III WIN Halne Still going over the Clutch
ing Hand case in their endeavor to track
down the mysterious master criminal.
Bennett seemed as deeply as ever in love with
Elaine. Stl Jennings admitted Craig II was
sufficiently evident by the manner in which Elaine
left Bennett aand ran TO greet Craig that she had
the highest regard for him.
I've brought you n little document that may in
terest you" remarked Kennedy. reaching into HIS
pocket and pulling out envelope.
Elaine tore IL open and looked at the paper
within.
"oh. how thoughtful Of youi" she exclaimed in
surprise.
It was permit from the police made out in her
name allowing her TO carry a revolver.
moment later, Kennedy reached into his coat
pocket and produced little automatic which he
handed to her.
Thank YOU" she cried eagerly.
Elaine examined the with interest, then. rails
ing II playfully at Bennett.
"Oh, no. moi" exclaimed Kennedy, taking her arm
quickly and gently, DETECTING the weapon away
"You mustn't think II 10 a toy. Il explodes At
mere touch Of the trgger-when that safety ratchet
is turned"
Bennett had realized the danger and had jumped
back. almost mechanically. AS he did co. he bumped
into suit of medieval armor standing by the WALL
knocking It over With q resounding crash.
II beg pardon" he calculated. I'm very sorry
That was very awkward Of me-"
jennings who had been busy about the por-
there's at the doorway started TO pick up the fallen
knight Some OF the pieces were broken. and the
three gathered about the butler tried to fit them
together again best he could.
TOO bad too bad" apologized Bennett protusely
II really forgot how close l was to the thing"
"Oh, never mind" returned Elaine. little crest
fallen, ut Is smashed alIrightbut II was my fault
Jennings. send for someone to repair IT,"
She turned to Kennedy. 'But do wish you would
teach how to use this thing" she added, touch
ing the automatic gingerly.
Gladly" he returned.
won't you Join us. Mr.. BennettG" asked Elaine
mo-" the young lawyer smiled I'm afraid
cant. You see had an engagement with another
client and I'm already late"
He took his hat and coat and. with a reluctant
farewell. moved toward the hallway.
moment later Elaine and Craig followed, while
Jennings finished restoring the armor as nearly as
possible as it had been.
II was late that night that masked figure sue
eeeded in raising itself TO the narrow ornamental
ledge under Elaine's bedroom window.
Elaine was u light sleeper. and besides Rusty,
her faithful collie. now fully recovered from the
poison. was in her room.
Rusty grOwled and the sudden noise awakened
her.
Startled, Elaine instantly Thought of the automa-
tic. she reached under her pillow. keeping very
quiet. and drew forth the that Craig had given
her. stealthiy eoncealing her actions under the
covers, she levelled the automatic at the figure sill
houetted In her window and fired three times.
The figure fell back.
Down in the street below the assistant OF the
clutching Hand who had waited while Taylor Dodge
was eleetrocuted. was waiting as his confederate,
pitts slim"-which indicated that he was both
wry in stature and libellous in delegating his ma
tyity-made the attempt
As Slim came tumbling down. having fallen
back from the window above MORALLY wounded, the
confederate lifted him up and carried him out of
sight hurrledly. .
elaine. BY this time. had turned on the lights
and had run 10 the window TO look out Rusty was
barking loudly.
In side street near by. stood waiting automo-
bile Al the wheel OF which sat another OF the ennis
saries OF the clutching Hand. The driver looked up
startled as he saw his fellow hurry around the cor
ner carrying the wounded pitts Slim" II was the
work Of just a moment to drop the wounded man.