Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1915-03-06

~ was MENSTRUAL hCAnCQts chAi-
ing confidently. came closer. still hold
ing the deadly little box. balanced be
tween two fingers.
lie took the crooks gun and dropped
II into his pocket.
sit down." ordered Craig.
Outside. the other six parleyed In
hoarse whispers. One raised a gun.
but the woman and the others re-
strained him and fed.
Take me TO your master!" de-
'manded Kennedy.
The crook remained silent.
Where is he?" repeated Craig.
Tell met"
Still the man remained silent.
Craig looked the fellow over again.
Then. still with that confident smile.
he reached into his inside pocket and
drew forth the tubs ! had seen him
place there.
mo matter how much you accuse
me-" added Craig casually. mo one
viii ever take the word OF a crook
that a reputable scientist like me
would do what | am about 10 do"
lie had taken out his penknife and
opened IL. Then he beckoned to me.
Bare his arm and hold his wrist.
Walter" he said.
Craig bent down with the knife and
the tube, then paused a moment and
turned 10 tube so hat we could see IL.
On the label were the ominous
words:
Germ Culture 624sA
Bacillus Leprae (Leprosy)
Calmly he took the knife and pro-
ceeded TO make an incision In the
mans arm. The crooks feelings un-
derwent a terrific struggle.
"No-no-no-don't." he implored.
Il will take you 10 the Clutching
Hand-even IL he kills mel"
Kennedy stepped back, replacing
the tube In his pocket.
Very well. go ahead" he agreed.
We followed the crook. Craig still
holding the deadly box Of illuminate Of
mercury carefully balanced SO that
II anyone shot him from a hiding place
II would drop.
No sooner had we gone than GertIe
hurried TO the nearest telephone TO
inform the Cluching Hand OF our
escape.
Elaine had sunk back into the chair
as the telephone rang. Clutching
Hand answered II.
A moment later. In uncomfortable
fury he hurled the instrument 10 the
floor.
"Here-we've got TO act quickly
that devil has escaped again." he
Kissed. We must get her away. You
KEEP her here. I'll be back-right
away-with a car"
He dashed madly from the church.
pulling of his mask as he gained the
street.
Kennedy had forced the crook ahead
OF US into the car which vas waiting,
and | followed. taking the wheel this
time.
Which way. now-quickl" aemand-
ed Craig. And II you get me In
wrong-l've got that tube yet-you re-
member"
Our crook started on with a whole
burst OF directions that rivaled the
motor guide-"through the town. fol
lowing trolley tracks. Jog right. jog
left under the railroad bridge. leaving
trolley tracks; at the cemetery turn
lett. stopping at the old stone church"
is this it," asked Craig Incredu-
lousy.
"Yes-as | live swore the crook
In a Swed voice.
He had gone to pieces. Kennedy
Jumped from the machine.
Here. take this gun. Walter" he
said to me. Don't take you eyes OF
the fellow-keep him covered"
Craig walked around the church. out
OF sight. until he came TO a small
vestry window and looked In.
There was Elaine. sitting in a chair.
and near her stood an elderly BLOCKING
man In clerical garb, which 10 Craig's
trained eye vas quite evidently a dis
guise.
Elaine happened Just then to glance
al the window and her eyes grew
wide with establishment al the sight
of Craig.
He made a hasty motion 10 her to
make a dash for the door. She nodded
quietly.
With a glance at her guardian she
suddenly made a rush.
He was at her In a moment. pounc-
ing On her. catlike.
Kennedy had seized an iron bar that
lay beside the window where some
workmen had been repairing the stone
pavement. and with a blow shattered
the glass and the sash.
AT the sound OF the smashing glass
the crook turned and with a mighty
effort threw Elaine aside. drawing his
revolver As he raised IL. Elaine
sprang at him and frantically seized
his wrist.
Utterly merciless the man brought
the butt OF the gun down with full
force on Elaine's head. Only her hat
and hair saved her. but she sank un-
conscious.
hen he turned at Craig and fired
twice.
One shot grazed Craig's hat. but the
nfhnr CfrNanL At-. l. =