The Dickinson press., 1915-05-01

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 peculiarly de-
serted looking house. Here Rusty
turned in and began scratching at the
door. We jumped of the cab and foi
lowed.
The door was locked when we tried
1t, and from inside we could get no an.
swer. We put our shoulders to 1t ana
burst it in. Rusty gave leap forward
with joyous bark.
We followed more cautiously. There
were pieces of armor strewn all over
the floor. Rusty shifted at them and
looked about, disappointed, then
howled.
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,
strange sort Of repair shop. Still keep.
ing it wrapped in blankets, they had
taken the armor out Of the wagon ana
had laid it down on an old broken
bed. Then they had unwrapped 1t ana
taken off the helmet.
There was Elaine!
"Sh! What's that" cautioned one OF
the men.
They paused and listened. Sure
enough, there was sound OUTSIDE
They opened the window cautiously.
A dog was scratching on the door, en-
deavoring to get in. It was Rusty
Il think it's her dog" said the man,
turning. WED better let him In.
Someone might see him."
The other nodded and a moment
later the door opened and in ran
Rusty. Straight to Elaine he went,
starting to lick her hand.
"Right-her dog" exclaimed the 9TH
er man, drawing gun and hastily lev
cling it at Rusty.
Don't cautioned the first. 1T 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
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 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.
Call all you want-here, young
lady," he laughed unnaturally.
"Now, doc" he added harshly to
Doctor Martin. 1T was she who shot
him. Her blood must save him."
Doctor Martin recoiled at the
thought of torturing the beautiful
young girl before him.
"Are-you willing-to have your
blood transfused?" he parleyed.
mo, no, mol" she cried in horror.
Doctor Martin turned to the des'
perate criminal. II cannot do it."
| 'The deuce you can't"
| A cold steel revolver pressed down
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 fendish.
ly, insanely.
From his bag he took little piece
of something that shone like silver.
A 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 anxiously,
felt her pulse, watched her breathing,
then pursed up his lips.
This is-dangerous," he ventured,
gazing askance at the grim Clutching
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.
Suddenly Kennedy reached into his
| pocket and produced and pulled out a