Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-05-24

safe watching IT intently.
Someone at the door-Jennines is
answering the bell Michael wills
pered hoarsely.
"Confound IT," muttered Clutchlne
Hand as both moved again behind the
heavy velour curtains.
I'm so glad TO see you. Mr.. Ken.
needy" 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
ieicles. Craie's face clnuded with
thought as he examined II more close
ly. There was actually gToaning
sound from within.
1T can't be opened" he said to him
self. The time lock is set for tomor
row morning"
Outside. IL we had not been so alb.
sorbed In the present mystery, we
might have seen Michael and the
Clutching Hand listening TO us.
Glutehlng 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 backl"
We all retreated. The safe door,
powerful as II was, had actually begun
TO warp and bend, The plates were
hulglng. A moment later. with loud
report and conclusion, the door blew
of.
A blast OF cold air and fakes like
snow flew out. Papers were scattered
on every side.
We stood gazing. aghast, second,
then ran forward. Kennedy quickly
examined the safe lie bent down and
from the wreck took up a package
now covered with white.
AS quickly he dropped 1t.
That is the package that was sent"
cried Elaine.
Taking 10 in a table cover, he laid
It on the table and opened il. Inside
was peculiar shape flask. open at the
top, but like vacuum bottle.
"a Dewar flask" calculated Craig.
What is it?" asked Elaine, appeal
ing to him.
Liquid air." he answered AS II
evaporated. the terrific pressure OF
expanding air in the safe increased
until 1t blew out the door. That lie
what caused the cold sweating and the
groans."
We watched him, startled
On the other side of The 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 to 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.
TT was left at the door, sir, by
boy, sir
Question after question could moi
shake that simple, stolid sentence
Kennedy frowned
"You may 60" he said finally, as II
reserving something for Michael later
A sudden exclamation followed from
Elaine as Michael passed down the
hall again. She had moved over tc
the desk, during the questioning, and
was leaning against II.
inadvertently she had touched ar
envelope. 1t was addressed, "Crale
Kennedy"
Craig tore It open. Elaine bending
anxiously over his shoulder, frightened
We read:
you HAVE INTERPRETED FOR
THE LAST TIME. 1T is THE END
Beneath 1t stood the fearsome sign
of the Clutehing Hand.
The warning OF the Clutching Hand
had no other effect on Kennedy thar
the redoubling of his precautions fol
safety. Nothing further happened that
night, however, and the next morning
found us early at the laboratory.
1t was the late forenoon, when. aft
er hurried trip down to the office, i
rejoined Kennedy at his scientific
workshop.
We walked down the street when
big limousine shot past. Kennedy
stopped In the middle of remark. He
had recognized the car, with a sort Of !
instinct -
At the same moment I saw a smil
ing face at the window of the car. II
was Elaine Dodge.
The car stopped in sometting lesf
than twice its length and then backed
toward us.
Kennedy, hat of, was at the window
in moment. There were Aunt Jose
phine and Susie Martin. also
"Where are you boys going?" asked
Elaine, with interest, then added with