The Springdale news., 1915-03-19

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 leap forward with a joyous bark.
 We followed more cautiously. There were pieces of armor strewn all over the floor Rusty sniffed at them and looked about, disappointed, then howled.
 I looked from the armor to Kennedy in 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.
 There was Elaine,
 "Sh, Whats that" cautioned one Of the men.
 They paused and listened. Sure enough, there was a sound outside. They opened the window cautiously A dog was scratching on the door, en- deavoring to get in. It was Rusty. T think it's her dog, said the man, turning. Wed better let him in. Someone might see him.
 The other nodded and moment later the door opened and in ran Rusty Straight to Elaine he went starting to lick her hand.
 "Right-her dog" exclaimed the oth- CT man. drawing gun and hastily lev cling it at Rusty
 Don't cautioned the first. "It would make too much noise. You'd better choke him.
 The fellow grabbed for Rusty. Rusty was too quick. He jumped Around the room they ran. Rusty saw the wide-open window-and his chance, Out he went and disappeared, leaving the man swearing at him.
 A moments argument followed, then they wrapped Elaine in the blankets alone. still bound and gagged, and car ried her out
 
 In the secret den the Clutching Hand was waiting gazing now and then at his watch. and then at the wounded man before him. In chair his first assistant sat, watching Doctor Martin A knock at the door caused them to l turn their heads The crook opened it and in walked the other crooks who had carried off Elaine in the suit of armor.
 Elaine was now almost conscious, as they sat her down in a chair, and part ly loosed her bonds and gag. She gazed about, frightened.
 Oh, help! help" she screamed, as she caught sight of the now familiar mask of the Clutching Hand
 Gall all you want-here, young lady" he laughed unnaturally
 Now, doc" hs added harshly to Doctor Martin. It was she who shot him. Her blood must save him.
 Doctor Martin reeoiled at the thought of torturing the beautiful young girl before him.
 "Are-you willing-to have your blood transfused?" he parleyed
 No, no. no," she cried in horror
 Doctor Martin turned to the des per-te criminal T cannot do it.
 The deuce you cant"
 A cold steel revolver pressed dowr on Doctor Martins stomach.
 The other crooks next carried Elaine, struggling, and threw hel 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 fiendsh ly insanely.
 From his bag he took a little piece of something that shone like silver
 A moment later, Doctor Martin looked up at the Clutching Hand anC nodded, Well, it's working"
 All were now bending over the two
 Doctor Martin bent closest ovel Elaine He looked at her anxiously felt her pulse, watched her breathing then pursed up his lips.
 This is-dangerous, he yentured gazing askance at the grim Clutehing Hand
 Cant help it. came back laconical ly, and relentlessly.
 The doctor shuddered
 The man was veritable vampire.
 
 Outside the deserted house, Kennedy and I were looking helplessly about.