The Dolores star. [volume] (Dolores, Montezuma County, Colo.) 1901-current, 1915-11-12
THIRTY.sEcoND EPISODE
the sEARcRLIoHT GUN,

Il don't understand It." remarked
Elaine one day as with Aunt Joseph
ine and myself she was discussing the
strange events that had occurred since
the disappearance Of Kennedy, but,
somehow, It Is as II q strange Provi.
dspee seems to be watching over US"
: Nor do l." agreed. 1T does seem
that, although we do not see 1t, q
mysterious power for good is about us.
IT'S uncanny,'
package for you. Miss Dodge"
announced Marie, coming in with a
small parcel which had been delivered
by q messenger who did not wait for
an answer.
Elaine took It, looked at 1t, turned 1t
over. and then looked at the written
address again.
ITS not the handwriting of anyone
which I recognize" she unused. Nov.
I suppose ought to be suspicious of
It. Yet. I'm going to open it."
She did 80. Inside, the paper wrap
ping covered a pasteboard box. She
opened that. There lay revolver,
which she picked up and turned over.
It was curious looking weapon.
Il never knew so much about fire.
arms as have learned in the last few
weeks" remarked Elaine. But what
do you suppose this Island who sent
It to me-and why?" =
She held the gun up. From the
barrel stuck out 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 thesnote:
Dear Miss Dodge:
0suter Of the light disk. Keep 1t by
you. A FRIEND"
= let me see H." ! asked. taking the
S6h. e.s.11tss enough, si0ng the barrel
Wa3 peculiar tube. "A searchlight
gun" exclaimed. puzzled. though still
my susrtc3oas were not entirely at
rest. Suppose It's sighed wrong" I
could not help considering. 1T might
be q plant to save someone from be-
ing shot" 81
That's easily settled" returned
Elaine. Lets try It," -...
''Oh, mercy, no-not here" remon-
strated Aunt Josephine.
why not-down CELLAR" persisted
Elaine. 1T can't hurt anything there. u
Il think It would be good plan.
I agreed. 'just to make sure that it is
all right"
Accordingly we three went down
cellar. There Elaine found the light
switch and turned 1t. Eagerly hunt
cd about for q mark. There, In some
rubbish that had not yet been cart
cd away, was q small china plate.
set It up on . small shelf across the
room and took the gun. But Elaine
playfully wrenched 1t from my hand
NO." she insisted, 1T was sent tc
mo. Let me try It frst."
Reluctantly consented.
Switch OF the light. Walter
please, !" she directed, standing a few
PAGES from the plate.
did so. In the darkness Elaine
pointed the gun and pulled the little
ratchet Instantly q spot Of light
showed on the wall. She moved fht
revolver and the spot Of light movet
with It. As It rested on q little deco
rative figure in the center Of the platt
she pulled the trigger. The gun az
ploded with a report, deafening, in thu
confines of the cellar.
switched on the light and we RAJ
forward. There was the plate
smashed into hundred bits. The bul
let had struck exactly in the center o
the little bull's-eye Of light.
Splendid" cried Elaine enthusl
esticafy as we looked at each othe
IN surprise.
ThouR.. ncEs Of US guessed 1t. hal
n hour kefsre. In the seclusion Q
ca yu<AI WosAwOrth's friend. Pre-