Iron County record. [volume] (Cedar City, Utah) 1893-1982, 1915-06-18

face moved In ..sd took q position IN
the center Of the room. as n on guard.
while Clutching Hand sat before the
safe watching II intently.
Someone at the door-Jennings IN
answering the BELL" Michael wins.
pered hoarsely.
"Confound III" muttered Clutching
Hand. as both moved again behind the
heavy velour curtains.
I'm SO glad to see you, Mr.. Ken
nedy," greeted Elaine unaffectedly as
Jennings admitted us.
She had heard the bell and was com.
Ing downstairs as we entered We
three moved toward the library snd
someone switched on the lights.
Craig strobe over to the safe. The
cold sweat ON II had now turned to
icicles. Craig's face clouded with
thought az he examined Il more close
ly. There was actually a groaning
sound from within.
1T can't be opened" he said to him
self The time lock is set for tomor-
row morning"
Outside. II we had not been so alb
sorbed In the present mystery. we
might have seen Michael and the
Clutching Hand listening to US
Clutching Hand looked hastily at his
watch.
The deuce!" he muttered under his
breath. sitting his suppressed fury.
We stood looking at the safe. Ken
nedy was deeply interested. Elaine
standing close beside him. Suddenly
lie seemed to make up his mind.
"Quick-Elainel" he cried. taking
her arm. Stand back!"
We all retreated. The safe door,
powerful as II was. had actually begun
to warp and bend. The plates we're
bullying. A moment later. with loud
report and conclusion, the door blew
off,
blast OF cold air and flakes like
snow flew out. Papers were scattered
on every side.
We stood gazing. aghast, d second,
Their ran forward. Kennedy quickly
examined the safe He bent down and
from the wreck took up a package.
now covered with white.
AS quickly he dropped It.
That is the package that was sent"
cried Elaine.
Taking II In a table cover, he laid
II on the table and opened It. Inside
was peculiar shape flask. open at the
top. but like vacuum bottle.
"A Dewar fiask!" calculated Craig.
What is TT? asked Elaine, appeal.
ing to him.
Liquid air!" he answered. "As II
evaporated, the terrific pressure OF
expanding air In the safe increased
until II blew out the door. That is
what caused the cold sweating and the
groans."
We watched him, startled.
On the other side OF he portieres
Michael and Clutching Hand waited
Then. In the general confusion, Clutch
ing Hand slowly disappeared. foiled.
where did this package come
from?" asked Kennedy OF Jennings
suspiciously.
Jennings looked blank.
Why" put in Elaine. Michael
brought II to me-"
Get Michael" ordered Kennedy.
A moment later he returned. 81
found him. going upstairs" reported
Jennings. leading Michael In.
Where did you get this package p
shot out Kennedy
1T was left at the door, SIR. by 8
boy. sir"
Question after question could moi
shake that sin pie. stolid sentence
Kennedy frowned.
"You may co." he said finally. as 4
reserving something for Iichael later
A sudden exclamation followed from
Elaine as Michael passed down the
hall again. She had moved over Il
the desk. during the questioning, ant
was leaning against II.
Inadvertently she had touched ar
envelope. II was addressed. "Crail
Kennedy"
Craig tore II open. Elaine bendin,
anxiously over his shoulder. frightene1
We read:
YOU HAVE INTERPRETED FOE
THE LAST TIME. 1T is THE END
Beneath II stood the. fearsome sigr
OF the Clutching Hand!
% -
The warning OF the Clutching Hant
had no other effect on Kennedy thar
the redoubling of his precautions fo
safety. Nothing further happened tina
night. however, and the next morninl
found US early at the laboratory.
II was the late forenoon, when, aft
er a hurried trip down to the Office.
rejoined Kennedy at his scientifi,
workshop.
We walked down the street when {
big limousine shot past. Kennel,
stopped In the middle OF remark. II,
had recognized the car. with sort O
instinct
At the same moment saw a smil
ing face at the window OF the car. Il
was Elaine Dodge.
The car stopped In something iesi
than twice It's length and then backed
toward US.
Kennedy. hat on. was at the window
In moment. There were Aunt Jose
milne and Susie Martin also