The Climax-Madisonian. (Richmond, Madison County, Ky.) 1914-1917, 1915-03-17

HHile aunt -JOsepnine tfleu 10 tel
him. Craig was busy examining the.
room.
Let US see the library he said at
length.
Accordingly down to the library we
went. Kennedy looked about. He
seemed to miss something.
Where is the armor?" he demand,
ed.
why. tho men came for it and took
it away to repair" answered Jen-
nings.
Kennedy's brow clouded in deep
| thought.
Outside we had left our taxi waiting.
| The door was open and a new foot
man, James, was sweeping the rug,
when past him flashed a dishevelled
hairy streak.
We were all standing there still as
Craig questioned Jennings about the
armor. With yelp Rusty tore fran
tically into the room. A moment he
stopped and barked. We all looked at
| him in surprise. Then, as no one
moved, he seemed to single out Ken
nedy. He seized Craig's coat in his
teeth and tried to drag him out.
Here, Rusty-down, sir. down."
called Jennings.
No; Jennings, no." interposed
Craig. What's the matter, old fell
low?"
Craig patted Rusty, whose big brown
eyes seemed mutely appealing. Out
of the doorway he went, barking still.
Craig and l followed. while the rest
stood in the vestibule.
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!"
1t 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 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 al
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 broker
bed Then they had unwrapped 1t anc
taken off the helmet.
There was Elaine!
Ssh What's 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. 1t 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 momen
later the door opened and in RAJ
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 woult
make too much noise. You'd bette
choke him,'
The fellow grabbed for Rusty. Rust,
was too quick. He jumped. Aroun
the room they ran. Rusty saw tn
wide-open window-and his chance
Out he went and disappeared, leavin
the man swearing at him.
A moments argument followed, the
they wrapped Elaine in the blanket
alone, still bound and gagged, and cal
ried her out.
In the secret den the Clutching Han
was waiting, gazing now and then a
his watch, and then at the wounde
man before him. In chair his frs
assistant sat, watching Doctor Martin
A knock at the door caused them
turn their heads. The crook opened i
and in walked the other crooks VIII
had carried OFF Elaine in the suit c
armor.
j Elaine was now almost conscious, a
they sat her down in a chair, and par
ly loosed her bonds and gag. Sh
? gazed about, frightened.
"Oh, helpi help" she screamed, a
she caught sight of the now familia
: mask of the Clutching Hand.
Call all you want-here, youn
lady," he laughed unnaturally.
,, Now. doc" he added harshly
Doctor Martin. at was she who she
him. Her blood must save him."
Doctor Martin recoiled at tn
thought, of torturing the beautifl
young girl before him.
"Are-you willing-to have you
blood transfused?" he parle. =
mo, no, mol" she cried in horror.
Doctor Martin turned to the de-
perate criminal. 81 cannot do it"
THE deuce you can't"
|, cold steel revolver pressed dow
on Doctor Martins stomach.
The other crooks next carrie
Eldine' sIue6hne' anu Ihie" liz
down beside the wounded man.
Doctor Martin. still covered by tn
.. gun, bent over the two. the hardene
criminal and the delicate, beautifr
girl. Clutching Hand glared fiendisl
, ly, insanely.
From his bag he took little piec
of something that shone like silve
A moment later, Doctor Marti
, looked up at the Clutching Hand an
, nodded, We'll, it's workingl"
All were now bending over the TIVE