The Elbert County tribune., 1915-05-21
FOURTEENTH EPISODE
THE RECKONING.

Pacing up and down his den in the
heart of Chinatown, Long Sin was
thinking oyaT his bargain with Ken.
nedy to betray the infamous Clutch
ing Hand
At length he seated himself on a
teakwood table still celebrating over
the promise he had been forced to
make to Kennedy.
Suddenly an idea seemed to strike
him. Lifting little hammer, he
struck Chinese gong on the table
at his side. At the same time he
leaned over and turned the knob at the
side of large roll-top desk.
A few seconds later a sort of hatch
way, covered by rug on the floor, in
one corner of the room, was slowly
lifted and Long Sins secretary. pale,
cadaverous Chinaman, appeared from
below. He stepped noiselessly into
the room and shuffled across to Long
Sin and handed him letter.
Long Sin scowled, as though some
thing had interfered with his own
plans, but tore open the envelope with
out a word. spreading out on his lap
the sheet of paper 1t contained.
The letter was a typewritten mes
rage. all in capitals, which read:
BE AT HEADQUARTERS AT 12.
DESTROY THIS IMMEDIATELY"
At the bottom of the note appeared
the sinister signature of the Clutching
Hand.
Bowling low again, the secretary
shufiied across and down again
through the hatchway, closing the
door as he descended.
Long Sin read the note once more,
while his inscrutable face assumed an
expression Of malicious cunning.
With an afr of deliberation he
reached for a match and struck 1t.
He had placed the paper in the flame
when suddenly he seemed to change
his mind. He hastily blew out the
match. which had destroyed only a
corner of the paper. then folded the
note carefully and placed 1t in his
pocket.
A few moments later. with malig-
nant ,chuckle. Long Sin rose slowly
and left the room.
Meanwhile the master criminal was
busily engaged in putting the finishing
touches Ito final scheme OF f1endish
ingenuity for the absolute destruc-
tion Of Craig Kennedy.
He had been at work in small
room fitting up a sort OF laboratory,
in the mysterious house which now
served as his headquarters.
Clutching Hand, at bench in one
corner, had Just completed an internal
machine of diabolical cunning, and
was wrapping it carefully In paper to
make an innocent package.
He was interrupted by knock at
the door. Laying down the bomb he
went to answer the summons with a
stealthy movement There stood Long
Sin, who had disguised himself as a
Chinese laundryman.
"On time-goodi" growled Clutch
ing Hand surlily as he closed the door
with equal care.
No time was wasted in useless for
malities.
This is a bomb" he went on, point
ing to the package. Garry 1t care
fzI1y On no account let it slip. or
you are u u9AQ Iudu IL uuSt pc III
Kennedy's laboratory before night.
Understand? Can you arrange it?"
Long Sin glanced at the dangerous
package. then with an expressive look,
replied, Have no fear l can do it..
1t will be in the laboratory within an
hour. Trust me-"
In Kennedy's laboratory was watch
ing Craig make some experiments
with new X-ray apparatus.
We we're oblivious to the passage of
time, and only call over our speak
ing tube diverted our attention.
opened the door and few seconds
later Long Sin himself entered.
Kennedy looked up inquiringly as
the Chinaman approached. holding out
a package which he carried.
"A bomb he said. in the most mat
ter-offact way. Il promised to have
IT placed IN your laboratory before
night"
Kennedy took the bomb and care
fully placed 1t under the wonderful
rays, then with the Horoscope over his
eyes studied the shadow cast by the
rays on Its sensitive screen.
Its bomb, sure enough" Craig
exclaimed. looking up from 1t at last
70 me-. Its timed by an ingenious