The Climax-Madisonian. (Richmond, Madison County, Ky.) 1914-1917, 1915-03-03

"a Package for You, Miss Dodge"
may go-and Marie, Also.
When the servants had gone she still
regarded the safe with the same won
dering look, then turning out the
light, she followed.
She had scarcely disappeared when,
from the portiered doorway near by,
the Clutching Hand appeared, and,
after gazing out at them took a quick
look at the safe.
Good" he muttered.
Noiselessly Michael of the sinister
aace moved in and took a position in
the center of the room. as if on guard,
while Clutching Hand sat before the
safe watching it intently.
Someone at the door-Jenning is
answering the bell" Michael whis-
pered hoarsely.
"Confound it," 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 it had now turned to
icicles. Craig's face clouded with
| thought as he examined it 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. if 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
needy was deeply interested, Elaine
standing close beside him. Suddenly
he seemed to make up his mind.
"Quick-Elainei" he cried, taking
her arm STAND back!"
We all retreated. The safe door
powerful as it was, had actually begun
to warp and bend The plates were
bullying A moment later, with LOUD
report and conclusion, the door blew
off.
A blast of cold air and flakes like
snow few out. Papers were scattered
on every side.
We stood gazing, aghast, second
then ran forward. Kennedy quickly
examined the safe. He bent down ant
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 it in table cover, he lait
it on the table and opened it. Insid,
was peculiar shape flask open at tn,
top, but like vacuum bottle
i "A Dewar flask" calculated Craig.
What is it2" asked Elaine, appeal
ing to him.
Liquid airl" he answered CAS- /
evaporated, the terrific pressure O
expanding air in the safe increase,
until it blew out the door. That
| what caused the cold sweating and tn
groans."
, NC odtCAAcu H1lAlt cldIllGu-
On the other side of the portiere
Michael and Clutching Hand waited
Then, in the general confusion. Clutch
Ing Hand slowly disappeared, foiIed
Where did this package com
from?s asked Kennedy of Jenning
suspiciousiy.
Jennings looked blank.
Why" put in Elaine, .sMichas
brought it to me-
: Get Michael, ordered Kennedy.
A moment later he returned :
found him, going upstairs reporte
Jennings, leading Michael in.
Where did you get this package!
z shot out Kennedy.
t 1t was left at the door, sir. by
boy, sir.
+ Question after question could n,
s shake that simple, stolid sentenc
e Kennedy frowned
!, You may go" he said finally. as
!, reserving something for Michael late
d A sudden exclamation followed frol
Elaine as Michael passed down IL
> hall again She had moved over /
n the desk. during the questioning, an