Evening star., 1941-01-26


The two men started away from
the sidewalk and mounted the ce-
ment stairs. Kelly read the names
that were slotted in old-fashioned
brass name plates. The second one
up was what he wanted: Edna
Mannon.
Kelly pushed the bell. From a
distance they both heard the ring.
The two men stood impatiently.
Kelly pressed his finger against the
button, held the pressure steady.
Still there was no answer.
He pushed at the door and it
opened under the pressure of his
palm. Kelly stepped up. John
CroSley crowded him.
The hallway was long and wide.
A dim light Shone at the further
end. The two men walked to the
stairs. Kelly started up first. At
the landing he paused. A window
faced the street and lighted up the
long hall. There was but one door
here Kelly motioned to James
Crosley to be quiet. He went for
ward and placed his ear against the
door panel.
Kelly Madigan was bent over but
a f1eeting second. Then he was
suddenly transformed into a wild,
demonlacal savage. He leaped back
and then in one bounding stride
plunged toward the door, battering
it with his shoulder.
Croslev reeled back Whats in
there?' he gasped hoasely.
Kelly Is Trapped.
''Sherr!" Kelly hammered against
the door again. She's tied to a
chair in there!" The panel splin-
tered. Once more" Kelly gasped.
Wait. Kelly!' Crosley snapped
out, but the words were too late.
Kelly had hurled his huge body
across the hall for the last time.
He could feel the lock break sud-
denly. He plunged, sprawling, into
the room.
"Sherr!" he cried hoarsely. He
brought himself to his knees at sight
of his wife sitting strapped to a
chair, her mouth gagged. her hair
disheveled, her feet bound securely.
Sherr's eyes shifted suddenly,
wildly. to something at Kelly's side
He had a flash of danger, but he
saw only the descending arm. The
pillars of consciousness crashed
down upon him then.
Kelly Madigan fought his way
back to light, through a tangled
maze of brain cobWebS. His right
ear throbbed and when he finally
opened fluttering eyelids and at
tempted to raise his hands to them,
his muscles refused to obey the
command. He realized then that he
was securely tied, his feet were
snubbed in close to the chair. Sherr
was sitting opposite him. "Sherr!"
His voice was strained. She opened
desperate eyes; and there was hor-
ror in her glance.
Are you all right Sherr?" His
voice choked in suppressed anger.
Sherr nodded slowly. Kelly cursed
aloud.
A smooth voice broke in upon his
invective. That won't do any good,
Madigan!"
ODian on the Scene.
Kelly swung his head around
John ODian stood before the closed
door. He was staring at Kelly in
tently. and there was a curious, wild
gleam in his eyes. Kelly thought of
James Crosley He shifted his gaze
John O'Dian's voice broke in. The
words were thinly edged with
threat. Il didn't think that you
would have to be gagged, Madigan.
At least. that is the chance I took
could not risk the others"
you're fool" Kelly blasted out
O'Djan'S eyes narrowed. Per
hapS. Perhaps. That depends upon
how one looks at it: and also upon
the one who says so. Right now
think you are the fool"
John ODian moved across the
room toward the window 1t was
then that Kelly saw Edna Mannon
She. toe, was a prisoner.
Kelly said grimly, you've made
quite haul"
John ODian turned. Haven't I
though?' he said difidently. Miss
Mannon here" he indicated Edna,
doesn't quite know what to make
of all this. I am truly sorry for
her. She is quite innocent of the
whole affair. But I had to take a
chance upon her, and, as things
turned out this apartment was a
good chance"
This might be costly, O'Dian."