The true northerner., 1915-03-05
Rusty was trying to lead Kennedy

Walt here, called Kennedy TO Aunt
Josephine, as he stepped with me on
the running board of the cab. go on.
Rusty good dog!"
1t seemed miles that we went, but
at last we came to peculiarly de-
serted looking house, Here Rusty
turned in and began scratching at the
door We jumped off the cab and fol-
lowed.
The door was locked when we tried
it, and from inside we could get no an
swer. We put our shoulders to il and
burst it in. Rusty gave leap forward
with a joyous bark.
We followed more cautiously. There
were pieces of armor strewn all over
the floor. Rusty shifted at them and
looked about, disappointed, then
howled.
looked from the armor to Kennedy
in blank amazement.
Elaine was kidnapped-in the ar
NOR" he cried.
He was right. Meanwhile, the ar
NOR repairers had stopped at last at
this apparently deserted house,
strange sort Of repair shop. Still keep
ing it wrapped in blankets, they had
taken the armor out of the wagon ana
had laid it down on an old broken
bed. Then they had unwrapped it and
taken off the helmet.
There was Elaine!
Ssh What's that" cautioned one of
the men,
They paused and listened. Sure
enough there was a sound outside.
They opened the window cautiously.
A dog was scratching on the door, en-
deavoring to get in. 1t was Rusty.
Il think it's her dog" said the man.
turning. Wed better let him in.
Someone might see him"
The other nodded and a moment
later the door opened and in ran
Rusty. Straight to Elaine he went,
starting to lick her hand
"Right-her dog" exclaimed the 9th
er man, drawing gun and hastily lev
cling it at Rusty
Don't cautioned the first. 1T would
make too much noise. You'd better
choke him.
was too quick. He jumped. Around
the room they ran. Rusty saw the
wide-open window-and his chance.
Out he went and disappeared, leaving
the man swearing at him.
moments argument followed, then
they wrapped Elaine in the blankets !
alone, still bound and gagged and car
ried her out.
In the secret den the Clutchng Hand |
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 a chair, and part
ly loosed her bonds and gag. She |
gazed about, frightened
"Oh, help! help!' 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 |
o
mo, no, mol" she cried in horror.
Doctor Martin turned to the des- |
perate criminal 81 cannot do it,
"The deuce you 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.
Doctor Martin, still covered by the !
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 il" came back laconical- |
ly, and relentlessly.
The doctor shuddered
The man was a veritable vampire.
Outside the deserted house, Kennedy |
and | were looking helplessly about.
Suddenly Kennedy reached into his |
pocket and produced and pulled out a