Abbeville progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 1915-04-24
eleventh EPISODE
THE HOUR OF THREE.

HE HOOH Of 'F'hCS'
With the ominous forefinger OF his
Clutching Hand extended. the Master
Criminal emphasized his instructions
10 his minions.
Perry Bennett, her lawyer. Is IN
favor again with Elaine Dodge. ne
was saying. she and Kennedy are
on the outs even yet. But they
may become reconciled. Then she'll
have that fellow on our trail again
Before that happens We must get her
see"
1t was In the latest headquarters
TO which Craig had chased the Grim
Inal. In one of the toughest parts OF
New York's great river front section.
Now" went on the Clutching Hand.
Il want you, Slim. to follow them.
See what they do-where they 60 It's
her birthday. Something's bound to
occur that will give you lead. All
you've got to do is to use your head.
Get me?"
1t was, as Clutching Hand had said.
Elaine's birthday. She had received
many callers and congratulations. In
Vulnerable costly and beautiful to-
kens of remembrance from her count
less friends and admirers. In the
conservatory of the Dodge house
Elaine, Aunt Josephine and Susie Mar
tin were sitting discussing not only
the happy occasion. but more, the many
strange events of the past few weeks.
well. said q familiar voice behind
them. what would a certain blonde
young lady accept as a birthday pres
ent from her family lawyer"
All three turned In surprise.
"Oh, Mr.. Bennett" cried Elaine
How you startled u.s."
Elaine hesitated. She was thinking
not so much of his words as OF Ken
nedy. To them all, however, !
seemed that she was unable to max
up her mind what, In the wealth
her luxury, what she would like.
Susie Martin had been wonderin
whether, now that Bennett was here
she was not de trop, as she looked.
her wrist watch mechanically. A
she did so, an idea occurred to he
why not one of these?" she erie
impulsively, indicating the watch. Fl
ther has some beauties at the shop
"Oh, good" exclaimed Elaine, tho
sweet"
Then let's all go to the shop" sa
Bennett Miss Martin will personal
conduct the tour. and we shall ha
our pick of the finest stock"
1t was too gay a party to notice
sinister figure following them in ca
Chatting with animation, the thr
moved over to the watch count
while the crook, with determinati
not to risk missing anything. enter
the shop door, too.
"Mr. Thomas" asked Susie as
fathers clerk bowed to them, pie;
show Miss Dodge the wrist watcl
father was telling about"
Unobserved. the crook walked o.
near enough to hear what was go
on.
At last, with much banter and
care, Elaine selected one that was
deed a beauty and was about to 81
Il on her dainty wrist when the CT
interrupted.
81 beg your pardon" he sugges
but Id advise you to leave 1t to
regulated. II you please"
Reluctantly Elaine handed 1t {
70 the clerk.
A moment later they went out
entered the car again.
As they did SO, Slim, who had
looking over various things In
next case as II undecided, came u
the watch counter
I'm making present" he rema
confidentally to the clerk. How a
those bracelet watches?"
The clerk pulled out some Of
cheaper ones.
No." he said thoughtfully. poll
out tray IN the showcase. "somet
like those"
He ended by picking out one
tically like that which Elaine ha
lected, and started to pay for 1t.
Better have 1t regulated" rep,
the clerk.
NO" he objected hastily. sh,
his head and paying the money {
)y. IT'S a present-and | want
night"
He took the watch and left the
hurriedly.
In the laboratory, Kennedy
working over an oblong oak DO,
haps eighteen inches in length