The Dermott news., 1915-05-13
Rusty was trying to lead Kennedy

down the street
 Wait here" called Kennedy to Aunt Josephine, as he stepped with me on the running board of the cab. Go on, | Rusty; good dog" It seemed miles that we went. but at last we came to a peculiarly de serted looking house. Here Rusty turned in and began scratching at the door We jumped off the cab and fol | lowed.
 The door was locked when We tried it, and from inside We could get no an swer. We put our shoulders to it and burst it in. Rusty gave a leap forward with joyous bark
 We followed more cautiously. There were pieces of armor strewn all over the floor Rusty snifted at them and looked about, disappointed, then howled.
 I looked from the armor to Kennedy i'll blank amazement
 Elaine was kidnapped-in the ar nor" he cried.
 
 He was right Meanwhile. the ar nor repairers had stopped at last at this apparently deserted house, a strange sort of repair shop Still keep ing it wrapped in blankets, they had taken the armor out of the wagon and had laid it down on an old broken bed. Then they had unwrapped 1t and taken off the helmet.
 Tbor, v.ns Tloipp'
 "Sh, Whats that" cautioned one of thc men.
 They paused and listened. Sure enough. there was sound outside. They opened the window cautiously, \ deg was scratching on the door. en- deayoring to get in It was Rusty.
 T think it's her deg. said the man, turning. Wed better let him in. Someone might sec him
 The other nodded and moment later the door opened and in ran Rusty straight to Elaine he went starting 10 lick her hand.
 "Rieht-her dog" exclaimed the oth- CT man. drawing gun and hastily lev cling it at Rusty.
 Don't cautioned the frat. II would make too much noise. You'd better choke him'
 The fellow grabbed for Rusty. Rusty was toe quick. He jumped. Around the room they ran. Rusty saw the vjdeopeu wndow-and his chance. Cat he went and disappeared, leaving the uaH swearing at him.
 A moments argument followed. then they wrapped Elaine in the blankets alone. still bound and gagged, and ear ried hor out
 in the secret den the GlutchjnE Hand vas waiting. gazing now sad then at his watch. and then at the wounded man before him. In n chair his first assistant sat. watching Doctor Martin A kreef at thc doer caused them to turn thesr heads The creuk opened 1t, aHd in walked the other crooks who lad carried of Elaine in the suit of armor
 Elaine was now almost conscious. as they sat her down in char and part ly loosed her bonds and gag She fascd about, frightened
 .Oh. help hejp,' shc screamed as she caught sight of the now familiar mask of the Clutchng Hand
 Call all you want-here, young lady" he laughed uuuaturally.
 New doe. he added harshly to Doctor Martin. It was she who shot him Her blood must save him"
 Doctor Martin recoiled at the thought of torturing the beautiful young girl before him.
 aArc-you willing have your oleod transfused? ." he pasleyed
 No. no. no," she cried in horror
 Doctor Martin turned to the des- perate criminal. T cannot do it
 The deuce you can't"
 A cold steel revolver pressed down on Doctor Martins stomach.
 Tho other crooks next carried Elaine, struggling. and threw her down beside the wounded man
 Doctor Martin. still covered by the gun. bent over the two, the hardened criminal and the delicate, beautiful girl Clutching Hand glared fendish- ly. insanely.
 From his bag he took little piece of something that shone like silver. moment later. Doctor Martin looked up at the Clutching Hand and nodded Well. it's working"
 All were now bending over the two. Doctor Martin bent closest over Elaine He looked at her anXSusly, fclt her pulse. watched her breathing. then pursed up his lips
 This is-dangerous. he ventured, razing askance at the grim Clutching Hand
 Cant help It." came back laconical- ly, and relentlessly
 The doctor shuddered
 The man was yeritable vampire.
 
 Outside the deserted house. Kennedy and were looking helplessly about
 Suddenly Kennedy reached into his