The Monticellonian., 1915-10-28
THIRTY-SECOND EPISODE
THE SEARCHUIGHT GUN,

T don't understand it." remarked Elaine one day as with Aunt Joseph inc and myself she was discussing the strange events that had occurred since the disappearance of Kennedy, but somehow, it is as If strange Provi. dence seems to be watching over us. ' Nor do l." I agreed. 'It does seem that. although we do not see it, a mysterious power for good is about us It's uncanny.''
 A package for you, Miss Dodge, announced Marie, coming in with a small parcel which had been delivered by messenger who did not wait for an answer.
 Elaine took it, looked at 1t, turned it over, and then looked at the written address again
 It's not the handwriting of anyone which I recognize" she unused. Now, I suppose l ought to be suspicious of 1t. Yet. I'm going to open it."
 She did so. Inside, the paper wrap ping covered a pasteboard box She opened that. There lay a revolver, which she picked up and turned over. It was curious looking weapon.
 T never knew so much about fire arms as I have learned in the last few weeks" remarked Elaine. "But what do you suppose this is-and who sent 1t to me-and why?"
 She held the gun up. From the barrel stuck out a little rolled-up piece of paper. See" she cried, read ing and handing the paper to me, .'there 1t is again-that mysterious power'
 Aunt Josephine read the note: Dear Miss Dodge:
 This weapon shoots exactly into the center of the light disk Keep it by you. A FRIEND"
 Let me see it. I asked. taking the gun. Sure enough, along the barrel was a peculiar tube. "A searchlight gun" exclaimed, puzzled, though still my suspicious were not entirely at rest. Suppose it's sighted wrong" could not help considering. Tt might be a plant to save someone from be- ing shot"
 That's easily settled" returned Elaine. Lets try it"
 "Oh. mercy. no-not here" remon- strated Aunt Josephine.
 Why not-down cellar?" persisted Elaine Tt cant hurt anything there. v T think it would be a good plan. I agreed, just to make sure that 1t is all right
 Accordingly we three went down cellar. There Elaine found tho light switch and turned it. Eagerly hunt ed about for a mark There. in some rubbish that had not yet been cart ed away, was a small china plate. set it up on a small shelf across the room and took the gun But Elaine playfully wrenched it from my hand. No" she insisted, "it was sent to me. Let me try it first
 Reluctantly I consented.
 Switch off the light. Walter, please" she directed, standing few paces from the plate.
 did so. In the darkness Elaine pointed the gun and pulled the little ratchet. Instantly spot of light showed on the wall She moved the 1. revolver and the spot of light moved u with it. As it rested on little deco ratiye figure in the center of the plate she pulled the trigger. The gun eX ploded with a report. deafening. in the confines of the cellar.
 I switched on the light and we rar forward. There was the plate smashed into a hundred bits. The bull let had struck exactly in the center oi the little bullis-eye of light.
 Splendid" cried Elaine enthusi astically as we looked at each othel in surprise.
 Though none of us guessed it, hal an hour before, in the seclusion o his yacht, Woodworth's friend. Pro