The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1915-04-15

face moved In md took n 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 IL
answering the BELL" Michael whis.
pcrcd hoarsely.
"Confound ~" 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 and
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 ms he examined II more close.
ly. There was actually a groaning
sound from within.
II can't be opened" he said 10 him.
self The time lock Is set for tomor-
row morning."
Outside. II we had not been 30 alb.
sorbed In the present mystery. we
might have seen Michael aud 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
he seemed to make up his mind.
"Quick-Elaine!" he cried. taking
her arm. Stand back"
We all retreated. The safe door,
powerful as II was. had actually begun
10 warp and bend. The plates were
bullying. A moment later, with a loud
report and conclusion. the door blew
off.
\ blast OF cold air and flakes like
snow flow out. Papers were scattered
on every side.
We stood gazing. aghast. a second.
Their ran forward. Kennedy quickly
examined the safe. lie bent down and
from the wreck took up a package.
now covered with white.
A" quickly he dropped Il.
That is the package that was sent"
cried Elaine.
Taking II In n table cover. he laid
II on the table and opened Il. Inside
was a peculiar shape flask. open at the
top, but like a acuum bottle.
s - n-.N.Nt -t--.-a
What is it?" asked Elaine. appeal.
ing 10 him.
Liquid air." he answered. AS Il
eyaporated. 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 Il 10 me-"
Get Michael" ordered Kennedy.
A moment later he returned. ~
found him, going upstairs" reported
Jennings. leading Michael In.
Where did YOU get this PACKAGE"
shot out Kennedy.
1T was left at the door, sir. by a
boy, sir"
Question after question could not
shake that sin pie, stolid sentence.
Kennedy frowned.
You may CO. he said finally. as II
reservlng something for Michael later.
A sudden exclamation followed from
Elaine as Michael passed down the
hall again. She had moved over To
the desk, during the questioning, and
was leaning against II.
inadvertently she had touched an
envelope. II was addressed. Craig
Kennedy"
Craig tore II open. Elaine bending
%anxiously over his shoulder. frightened.
We read:
YOU HAVE INTERPRETED FOR
I'M. lsNSl llMEs II 10 LIE fN u.
Beneath II stood the fearsome sign
OF the Clutching Hand!
The warning NJ the Clutching Hand
had no other effect on Kennedy than
the redoubling of his precautions 10,
safety, Nothing further happened that
night, however, and the next morning
found us early NJ the laboratory.
II was the late forenoon, when, aft.
or n hurried trip down To the office.
reioined Kennedy at his scientific
Workshop.
We walked down the street when q
big limousine shot past. Kennedy
stopped In the middle OF a remark. Ho
had recognized the car, with a sort oil
instinct.
At the same moment | saw q smIl
Ing face at the window OF the car. II
was Elaine Dodge.
The car stopped In something lest