The Springdale news., 1915-03-19
SIxTH=EPISODE
"TheVampire."


 Dodge house, and, as usual, Perry Ben- nett, Elaine's lawyer, was there in the library with Elaine, still going over the Clutching Hand case in their en- deavor to track down the mysterious master criminal.
 Bennett seemed as deeply as ever fn love with Elaine. Still, as Jennings admitted Craig, it was sufficiently evi- dent by the manner in which Elaine left Bennett and ran to greet Craig that she had the highest regard for him.
 I've brought you a little document that may interest you" remarked Ken nedy, reaching into his pocket and pulling out an envelope.
 Elaine tore it open and looked at the paper within.
 Oh. how thoughtful of you8 she exclaimed in surprise.
 It was a permit from the police made out in her name allowing her to car " revolver.
 moment later, Kennedy reached into his coat pocket and produced a little automatic which he handed to her
 Thank you," she cried eagerly
 Elaine examined the gun with inter- est, then, raising it, pointed it play. fully at Bennett.
 Oh no, no," exclaimed Kennedy, taking her arm quickly and gently. de- flecting the weapon away You mustn't think 1t is a toy. It explodes at mere touch of the trigger-when that safety ratchet is turned"
 Bennett had realized the danger and had jumped back, almost mechanical ly, As he did so, he bumped into a suit of medieval armer standing by the wall, knocking it over with re- sounding crash
 I beg pardon" he calculated. I'm very sorry. That was very awkward of me"
 Jennings, who had been busy about the portieres at the doorway, started to pick up the fallen knight.
 Too bad, too bad" apologized Ben nett profusely. ''I really forgot how close I was to the thing
 Oh, never mind" returned Elaine. little crestfallen, it is smashed all right-but it was my fault Jennings, send for someone to repair it.
 It was late that night that masked figure succeeded in raising itself to the narrow ornamental ledge under Elaine's bedroom window
 Elaine was a light sleeper, and, be- sides, Rusty, her faithful collie, now fully recovered from the poison. was In her room
 Rusty growled and the sudden noise awakened her
 Startled, Elaine instantly thought of the automatic. She reached under her pillow, keeping very quiet, and drew forth the gun that Craig had given her Stealthily concealing her actions under the covers, she leveled the auto matte at the figure silhouetted in her window and fired three times
 The figure fell back
 Down in the street below, the as slstant of the Clutching Hand who had waited while Taylor Dodge was eiectroeuted, was waiting as his con- lederate, Pitts Slim'-which indicat- cd that he was both wiry in stature and lihelous in delegating his nativity made the attempt.
 As Slim came tumbling down. hav- Ing fallen back from the window above mortally wounded, the confederate lift ed him up and carried him out of sight hurriedly.
 Elaine, by this time, had turned on the lights and had run to the window to look out. Rusty was barking loud- ly.
 In side street near by stood wait Ing automobile, at the wheel of which sat another of the emissaries of the Slutching Hand. The driver looked up, startled, as he saw his fellow hurry around the corner carrying the wounded Pitts Slim" It was the Work of just a moment to drop the wounded man, as comfortably as pos siole under the circumstances. in the rear seat, while his pals started the car or with jerk in the hurry of es- cape
 Jennings, having hastily slipped his trousers on over his paiamas, came running down the hall, while Marie. frightened, came in the other direc- .ion. Aunt Josephine appeared few seconds later, adding to the general excitement.
 Whats the matter?' she asked, anxiously.
 burglar, think exclaimed 1ialne, still holding the gun in her