The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-05-25

was waiting, gazing now and then at
his watch, and then at the wounded
man before him. In a 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.
ooh, help! helpi" 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. 81 cannot do it."
"The deuce ycu can't"
A cold steel revolver pressed down
on Doctor Martins stomach.
The other crooks next carried
Elaine, struggling, and threw her
down beside the wounded man.
II ~
gun, bent over the two, the hardened
criminal and the delicate. beautiful
girl Clutching Hand glared fiendish-
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, We'll, 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 were looking helplessly about
Suddenly Kennedy reached into his
pocket and produced and pulled out
police whistle. He blew three sharp
blasts.
Would it bring help?
While we were thus despairing, the
continued absence of Doctor Martin
from his home had alarmed his FAM
lily, and had set in motion another
train of events.
When he did not return, and could
not be located at the place to which
he was supposed to have gone, several
policemen had been summoned to his
house. and they had come, finally, with
real bloodhounds from suburban sta
ton.
1t had no. been long before the party
came across the deserted runabout be-
side the road. There they had stopped
for a moment.
1t was just then that they heard
Kennedy's call, and one of them had
been detailed to answer it.
We'll. what do you want?" asked
the officer cycling Kennedy suspi-
ciously as he stood there with the
armor. What's them pieces Of tin
hey?"
Kennedy quickly flashed his own
special badge. Il want to trail
girl" he exclaimed hurriedly Can
find bloodhound about here?"
"A hound? Why, we have pack
over there"
Bring them-quick!" ordered Craig.
Kennedy held the armor down to
the dogs "Searchlight" gave low
whine, then, followed by Bob" and the
others. was off, all with noses close
to the ground. We followed
In the mysterious haunt of the
Clutching Hand, all were still stand
ing around Elaine and the wounded
Pitts Slim.
Just then cry from one of the
group startled the rest. One Of them,
less hardened than the Clutching