 11 With the ominous forefinger of his clutching hand extended, the master criminal emphasised his instructions to his minions. Perry Bennett, her lawyer, is in favour again with Elane Dodge, he was saying. She and Kennedy are on the outs even yet, but they may become reconciled. Then she'll have that fella on our trail again. Before that happens, we must get her, see? It was in the latest headquarters to which Craig had chased the criminal, in one of the toughest parts of the Old Greenwich Village, on the west side of New York, not far from the riverfront. They were all seated in a fairly large but dingy old room, in which were several chairs, a rickety table and, against the wall, a rolled top desk on the top of which was a telephone. Several crooks of the gang were sitting about smoking. Now went on clutching hand. I want you, Spike, to follow them. See what they do, where they go. It's her birthday, something's bound to occur that will give you a lead. All you've got to do is to use your head, get me? Spike rose, nodded, picked up his hat and coat, and squirmed out on his mission, like the snake that he was. It was, as clutching hand had said, Elaine's birthday. She had received many callers and congratulations, innumerable costly and beautiful tokens of remembrance from her countless friends and admirers. In the conservatory at the Dodge House, Elaine, Aunt Josephine and Susie Martin were sitting discussing not only the happy occasion, but more the many strange events of the past few weeks. Well cried a familiar voice behind them. What would a certain blonde young lady accept as a birthday present from her family lawyer? All three turned in surprise. Oh, Mr. Bennett, cried Elaine, how you startled us. He laughed and repeated his question, adopting the tone that he had once used in the days when he had been more in favour with the pretty heiress, before the advent of Kennedy. Elaine hesitated. She was thinking not so much of his words, as of Kennedy. To them all, however, it seemed that she was unable to make up her mind what, in the wealth of her luxury, she would like. Susie Martin had been wondering whether, now that Bennett was here, she were not de-trop, and she looked at her wristwatch mechanically. As she did so, an idea occurred to her. Why not one of these? She cried impulsively, indicating the watch. Father has some beauties at the shop. Oh, good, exclaimed Elaine, how sweet. She welcomed the suggestion, for she had been thinking that perhaps Bennett might be hinting too seriously at a solitaire. So that strikes your fancy, he asked. Then let's all go to the shop. Ms. Martin will personally conduct the tour, and we shall have our pick at the finest stock. A moment later the three young people went out and were quickly whirled off down the avenue in the Dodge Town car. It was too gay a party to notice as soon as the figure following them in a cab. But as they entered the fashionable jewelry shop, Spike, who had alighted, walked slowly down the street. Chatting with animation, the three moved over to the watch counter, while the crook, with the determination not to risk missing anything, entered the shop door too. Mr. Thomas asked Susie, as her father's clerk, bound to them, please show Ms. Dodge the wristwatcher's father was telling about. With another deferential bow, the clerk hastened to display a case of watches, and they bent over them. As each new watch was pointed out, Elaine was delighted. Unabserved, the crook walked over near enough to hear what was going on. At last, with much banter and yet care, Elaine selected one that was indeed a beauty, and was about to snap at honour, don't you risk, when the clerk interrupted. I beg pardon, he suggested, but I'd advise you to leave it to be regulated, if you please. Yes, indeed, chimed in Susie. Father always advises that. Reluctantly, Elaine handed it over to the clerk. Oh, thank you ever so much, Mr. Bennett. She said, as he unobtrusively paid for the watch, and gave the address to which it was to be sent when ready. A moment later, they went out and entered the car again. As they did so, Spike, who had been looking various things in the next case over, as if undecided, came up to the watch counter. I'm making a present, he remarked confidentially to the clerk. How about those bracelet watches? The clerk pulled out some of the cheaper ones. No, he said thoughtfully, pointing out a tray in the showcase. Something like those. He ended by picking out one identically like that, which Elaine had selected, and started to pay for it. Better have it regulated, repeated the clerk. No, he objected hastily, shaking his head and paying the money quickly. It's a present, and I want it tonight. He took the watch and left the store hurriedly. In the laboratory, Kennedy was working over an oblong oak box, perhaps 18 inches in length, and half as high. In the box, I could see, besides other apparatus, two good-sized spills of fine wire. What's all that? I asked inquisitively. Another of the new instruments that scientific detectives use, he responded, scarcely looking up, a little magnetic wizard, the telegraph phone. Which is, I prompted. Something we detectives might use to take down, and can telephone and other conversations. When it is attached properly to a telephone, it records everything that is said over the wire. How does it work? I asked, much mystified. Well, it is based on an entirely new principle, in every way different from the phonograph, he explained. As you can see, there are no discs or cylinders, but these spills of extremely fine steel wire. The record is not made mechanically on a cylinder, but electromagnetically on this wire. How? I asked, almost incredulously. To put it briefly, he went on. Small portions of magnetism, as it were, are imparted to fractions of the steel wire, as it passes, between two carbon electric magnets. Each impression represents a sound wave. There is no apparent difference in the wire, yet each particle of steel undergoes an electromagnetic transformation by which the sound is indelibly imprinted on it. Then you scrap the wire, just as you shave records to use it over again, I suggested. No, he replied. You pass a magnet over it, and the magnet automatically erases the record. Rust has no effect. The record lasts as long as steel lasts. Craig continued to tinker tantalisingly with the machine, which had been invented by a dane, Veldemar Poulsen. He had scarcely finished testing out the telegraph phone when the laboratory door opened and a clean-cut young man entered. Kennedy, I knew, had found that the routine work at the clutching hand case was beyond his limited time and had retained this young man, Raymond Chase, to attend to that. Chase was a young detective whom Craig had employed on shadowing jobs and as a steel pigeon on other cases, and we had all the confidence in the world in him. Just now what worried Craig was the situation with Elane, and I fancied that he had given Chase some commission in connection with that. I've got it, Mr. Kennedy, greeted Chase with quiet modesty. Good! responded Craig heartily. I knew you would. Got what? I asked a moment later. Kennedy nodded for Chase to answer. I've located the new residence of Flirty Flurry, he replied. I saw what Kennedy was after at once. Flirty Flurry and Dan, the dude, had caused the quarrel between himself and Elane. Dan the dude was dead, but Flirty Flurry might be forced to explain it. That's fine, he added exultingly. Now I'll clear that thing up. He took a hasty step to the telephone, put his hand on the receiver, and was about to take it off the hook. Then he paused, and I saw his face working. The wound Elane had given his feelings was deep. It had not yet quite healed. Finally his pride, for Kennedys was a highly sensitive nature, got the better of him. No, he said, half to himself, not yet. Elane had returned home. Alone her thoughts naturally went back to what had happened recently to interrupt a friendship, which had been the sweetest in her life. There must be some mistake, she murmured principally to herself, thinking that the photograph Flirty had given her. Oh, why did I send him away? Why didn't I believe him? Then she thought of what had happened, of how she had been seized by Dan the dude in the deserted house, of how the noxious gas had overcome her. They had told her of how Craig had risked his life to save her, how she had been brought home, still only half alive, after his almost miraculous work with the new electric machine. There was his picture, she had not taken that away. As she looked at it, a wave of feeling came over her, mechanically she put out her hand to the telephone. She was about to take off the receiver, when something seemed to stay her hand. She wanted him to come to her, and if either of them had called the other just then, they would have probably crossed wires. Of such stuff are the quarrels of lovers. Craig's eyes fell on the telegraph phone, and an idea seemed to occur to him. Walter, you and Chase bring that thing along, he said a moment later. He paused long enough to take a badge from the drawer of the cabinet, and went out. We followed him, lugging the telegraph phone. At last we came to the apartment house, at which Chase had located the woman. There it is, he pointed out, as I gave a groan of relief, for the telegraph phone was getting like lead. Kennedy nodded, and drew from his pocket the badge I had seen him take from the cabinet. Now Chase, he directed. You needn't go in with us, Walter and I can manage this now. But don't get out of touch with me, I shall need you any moment, certainly tomorrow. I saw that the badge read, Telephone Inspector. Walter, he smiled, you're elected my helper. We entered the apartment house hall, and found a negro boy in charge of the switchboard. It took Craig only a moment to convince the boy that he was from the company, and that complaints had been made by some anonymous tenant. You look over that switchboard Callie, he winked at me, while I test out the connections back here. There must be something wrong with the wires, or there wouldn't be so many complaints. He had gone back at the switchboard, and the negro, still unsuspicious, watched without understanding what it was all about. I don't know, Craig muttered finally for the benefit of the boy. But I think I'll have to leave that tester after all. Say, if I put it here, you'll have to be careful not to let anyone meddle with it. If you do, there will be the juice to pay, see? Kennedy had already started to fasten the telegraph phone to the wires he had selected from the tangle. At last he finished and stood up. Don't disturb it, and don't let anyone else touch it, he ordered. Better not tell anyone, that's the best way. I'll be back for it tomorrow, probably. Yes, sir, nodded the boy with a bow, as we went out. We returned to the laboratory, where there seemed to be nothing we could do now, except wait for something to happen. Kennedy, however, employed the time by plunging into work, most of the time experimenting with a peculiar little coil, to which ran the wires as an ordinary electric bow. Back in the new hangout, the clutching hand was laying down the law to his lieutenants and healers, when Spike at last entered. Ha! growled the master criminal, covering the fact that he was considerably relieved to see him at last. Where have you been? I've been off on a little job myself, and got back. Spike apologized profusely. He had succeeded so easily that he had thought to take a little time to meet up with an old pal whom he ran across, just out of prison. Yes, sir, he replied hastily. Well, I went over to the Dodge House and I saw them finally, followed them into a jewellery shop. That lawyer bought her a wrist watch, so I bought one just like it. I thought perhaps we could give it to me, growl clutching hand, seizing it the moment Slim displayed it, and don't butt in, see? From the capacious desk, the master criminal pulled a set of small grills, vices, and other jeweller's tools, and placed them on the table. All right, he relented. Now, do you see what I have just thought of? No? This is just the chance. Look at me. The healers gathered around him, peering curiously at their master as he worked at the bracelet watch. Carefully, he plied his hands to the job, regardless of time. There, he exclaimed at last, holding the watch up, where they could all see it. See? He pulled out the stem to set the hands and slowly twisted it between his thumb and finger. He turned the hands until they were almost at the point of 3 o'clock. Then he held the watch out where all could see it. They bent closer and strung their eyes at the little second hand, ticking away merrily. As the men at hand touched three, from the back of the case, as if from the casing itself, a little needle, perhaps a quarter of an inch, jumped out. It seemed to come from what looked like merely a small inset in the decorations. You see what will happen at the hour of three, he asked. No one said a word, as he held up a vial which had been drawn from his pocket. On it, they could read the label, Resinus. One of the most powerful poisons in the world, he exclaimed, and up here to kill a regiment. They fairly gasped and looked at it with horror, exchanging glances. Then they looked at him in awe. There was no wonder that clutching hand kept them in line, once he had a crook in his power. Opening the vial carefully, he dipped in a thin piece of glass and placed the tiny drop in a receptable back of the needle, and on the needle itself. All together it savoured on the ancient days of the Vorgias, with their weird poison rings. Then he dropped the vial back into his pocket, pressed as spring, and the needle went back into its unsuspected hiding place. I've set my invention to go off at three o'clock, he concluded. Tomorrow, four noon, it will have to be delivered early. And I don't believe we shall be troubled any longer by Miss Elaine Dodge, he added venomously. Even the crooks, hardened as they were, could only gasp. Calmly he wrapped up the apparently innocent engine of destruction and handed it to Spike. See that she gets it in time, he said merely. I, Wilf, sir, answered Spike, taking it gingerly. Flirty Flory had returned that afternoon late, from some expedition on which she had been sent. Rankling in her heart, yet was the death of her lover, Dan the Dude. Though, although in her sphere of crookdom, they are neither married nor given in marriage, still there is a brand of loyalty that higher circles might well copy. Sacred to the memory of the dead, however, she had one desire, revenge. Thus when she arrived home, she went to the telephone to report, and called a number. 4494 Greenish. Hello, Chief, she repeated. This is Flirty. Have you done anything yet in the little matter we talked about? Say, be careful of names over the wire, came a growl. You know what I mean. Yes, the trick will be pulled off at three o'clock. Good, she exclaimed. Goodbye and thank you. With his well-known caution, clutching hand did not even betray names over the telephone, if he could help it. Flirty hung up the receiver with satisfaction. The mains of the departed Dan might soon rest in peace. The next day, early in the forenoon, a young man with a small package, carefully done up, came to the Dodge House. From Martins, the jewelers, the mis-Dodge, he said to Jennings at the door. Elaine and Aunt Josephine were sitting in the library when Jennings announced him. Oh, it's my watch, cried Elaine. Show him in. Jennings bowed and did so. Spike entered and handed the package to Elaine, who signed her name excitedly and opened it. Just look, Auntie, she exclaimed. Isn't it stunning? Very pretty, commented Aunt Josephine. Elaine put the watch on her wrist and admired it. Is it all right? Ask Spike. Yes, yes, answered Elaine. You may go. He went out, while Elaine gazed rapturously at the new trinket, while it ticked off the minutes. This devilish instrument. Early the same morning, Kennedy went around again to the apartment house, and, cautious not to be seen by Flirty, recovered the telegraph phone. Together, we carried it to the laboratory. There he set up a little instrument that looked like a wedge sitting up on end, in the face of which was a dial. Through it, he began to run the wire from the spills, and, taking an earpiece, put another on my head over my ears. You see, he explained, the principle on which this is based is that a mass of tempered steel may be impressed with and will retain magnetic fluxes, varying in density, and in sign in adjacent portions of itself, like deposits of magnetic impulse. When the telegraph phone is attached to the telephone wire, the currents that affect the receiver also affect the coils of the telegraph phone, and the disturbance set up causes a deposit of magnetic impulse. On the steel wire, when the wire is again run past these coils, with the receiver, such as I have here, in circuit with the coils, a light vibration is set up in the receiver diaphragm, which reproduces the sound of speech. He turned a switch and we listened eagerly. There was no grating and thumping, as he controlled the running off of the wire. We were listening to everything that had been said over the telephone, during the time since we left the machine. First came several calls from people with bills, and she put them off most adroitly. Then we heard a call that caused Kennedy to look at me quickly. Stop the machine and start at that point over again. That's what I wanted, he said, as we listened in. Give me 4494 Greenwich. Hello? Hello, Chief. This is Flirty. Have you done anything yet, in the little matter we talked about? So, be careful of names over the wire. You know what I mean. Yes, the trick will be pulled off at three o'clock. Good, goodbye, and thank you. Goodbye. Kennedy stopped the machine, and I looked at him blankly. She called Greenwich 4494 and was told that the trick would be pulled off at three o'clock today. He ruminated. What trick? I asked. He shook his head. I don't know. That is what we must find out. I hadn't expected a tip like that. What I wanted was to find out how to get at the clutching hand. He paused and considered a minute, then moved to the telephone. There's only one thing to do, and that's to follow out my original scheme. He said energetically. Information, please. Where is Greenwich 4494? He asked a moment later. The minutes passed. Thank you. He cried, writing down on a pad an address over on the west side near the river front. Then, turning to me, he explained, Walter, we've got him at last. Craig rose and put on his hat and coat, thrusting a pair of opera glasses into his pocket, in case we should want to observe the place at a distance. I followed him excitedly. The trail was hot. Kennedy and I came at last to the place on the west side, where the crooked streets curved off. Instead of keeping on until he came to the place we sought, he turned and quickly slipped behind the shoulder of the fence. There was a broken board in the fence, and he bent down, gazing through with the opera glasses. Across the lot was the new headquarters, a somewhat dilipidated old-fashioned brick house of several generations back. Through the glass we could see an evil countenance crook slinking along. He mounted the steps and rung the bell, turning as he waited. From a small aperture in the doorway looked out another place, equally evil. Under cover the crook made the sign of the clutching hand twice, and was admitted. That's the place all right, whispered Kennedy with satisfaction. He hurried to a telephone booth, where he called several numbers. Then we returned to the laboratory, while Kennedy quickly figured out a plan of action. I knew Chase was expected there soon. From the table he picked up the small coil over which I had seen him working, and attached it to the bell and some batteries. He replaced it on the table, while I watched curiously. As Seleneam saw, he explained, only when light falls on it, does it become a good conductor of electricity. Then the bell will ring. Just before making the connection, he placed his hat over the cell. Then he lifted the hat. The light fell on it, and the bell rung. He replaced the hat, and the bell stopped. It was evidently a very peculiar property of the substance Seleneam. Just then they came a knock at the door. I opened it. Hello, Chase. Greeted Kennedy. Well, I found the new headquarters all right. Over on the west side. Kennedy picked up the Seleneam cell, and a long coil, a fine wire, which he placed in a bag. Then he took another bag already packed, and, shifting them between us, we hurried downtown. Near the vacant lot, back at the new headquarters, was an old broken-down house. Through the rear of it, we entered. I started back in astonishment, as we found eight or ten policemen already there. Kennedy had ordered them to be ready for a raid, and they had dropped in one at a time. Without attracting attention. Well, men, he greeted them. I see you found the place all right. Now, in a little while, Jameson will return with two wires. Attach them to the bell, which I will leave here. When it rings, raid the house. Jameson will lead you to it. Come, Walter, he added, picking up the bags. Ten minutes later, outside the new headquarters, a crouched-up figure carrying a small package, his face hidden under his soft hat and upturn collar, could have been seen slinking along until he came to the steps. He went up and peered through the aperture of the doorway. Then he rung the bell. Twice he raised his hand and clenched it in the now familiar clutch. A crook inside saw it through the aperture and opened the door. The figure entered, and almost before the door was shut, tied the masking handkerchief over his face, which hid his identity from even the most trusted lieutenants. The crook bowed to the chief, who, with a growl, as though of recognition, moved down the hall. As he came to the room from which the spy had been sent on his mission, the same group was seated in the thick tobacco smoke. You fellows clear out, he growled, I want to be alone. The old man is peeped, muttered one, outside as they left. The weird figure gazed about the room to be sure that he was alone. When Craig and I left the police, he had given me most minute instructions, which I was now following out to the letter. I want you to hide there, he said, indicating a barrel back of the house, next to the hangout. When you see a wire come down from the headquarters, take it and carry it across the lot to the old house. Attach it to the bell, then wait. When it rings, raid the clutching hand joint. I waited what seemed to be an intermittable time back at the barrel, and it is no joke hiding back at the barrel. Finally, however, I saw a coil of fine wire drop rapidly to the ground from a window somewhere above. I made a dash for it, as though I were trying to rush the trenches, seize my prize, and without looking back to see where it came from, beat a hasty retreat. Around the lot I skirted, until at last I reached the place where the police were waiting. Quickly we fastened the wire to the bell. We waited, not a sound from the bell. Up in the room in the joint, the hunched up figure stood by the table. He had taken his hat off and placed it carefully on the table, and was now waiting. Suddenly a noise at the door startled him. He listened, then he backed away from the door and drew a revolver. As the door slowly opened, there entered another figure, had over his eyes collar up, a handkerchief over his face, the exact counterpart of the first. For a moment each glared at each other. Hands up shouted the first figure, hoarsely, moving the gun and closing the door with his foot. The newcomer slowly raised his crooked hand over his head, as the blue steel revolver gaped menacingly. With a quick movement of the other hand, the first sinister figure removed the handkerchief from his face and straightened up. It was Kennedy. Come over to the center of the room, ordered Kennedy, clutching hand, obeyed, eyeing his captor closely. Now lay your weapons on the table. He tossed down a revolver. The two still faced each other. Take off that handkerchief. It was a tense moment, slowly clutching hand started to obey. Then he stopped. Kennedy was just about to thunder. Go on, when the criminal calmly remarked, You've got me all right, Kennedy, but in twenty minutes a lame dodge will be dead. He said it with a nonchalance that might have deceived anyone less astute than Kennedy. Suddenly their flashed over craved the words. The trick will be pulled off at three o'clock. There was no fake about that. Kennedy frowned. If he killed clutching hand, Elane would die. If he fought, he must either kill or be killed. If he handed clutching hand over, all he had to do was to keep quiet. He looked at his watch. It was twenty-five minutes of three. What a situation. He had caught a prisoner he did not molest yet. What do you mean, tell me? Demanded Kennedy with force calm. Yesterday Mr. Bennett bought a wristwatch for Elane. The clutching hand said quietly. They left it to be regulated. One of my men bought one just like it. Mine was delivered to her today. A likely story, doubted Kennedy. For answer the clutching hand pointed to the telephone. Kennedy reached for it. One thing interrupted the clutching hand. You are a man of honour. Yes, yes, go on. If I tell you what to do, you must promise to give me a fighting chance. Yes, yes. Call up Aunt Josephine then. Do just as I say. Covering clutching hand, Kennedy called a number. This is Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Dodge. Did Elane receive a present of a wristwatch from Mr. Bennett? Yes, she replied. For a birthday it came this fall noon. Kennedy hung up the receiver and faced clutching hand, puzzled as the latter said. Call up Martin the jeweler. Again Kennedy obeyed. Has the watch purchased for Miss Elane Dodge been delivered? He asked the clerk. No, came back the reply. The watch Mr. Bennett bought is still here, being regulated. Kennedy hung up the receiver. He was stunned. The watch will cause her death at three o'clock, said the clutching hand. Swear to leave here without discovering my identity, and I will tell you how. You can save her. A moment Kennedy thought. He was a quandary. No, he shouted, seizing the telephone. Before Kennedy could move, clutching hand had pulled the telephone wires with almost superhuman strength from the junction box. In that watch he hissed, I have set a poison needle in a spring that will be released and will plunge it into her arm at exactly three o'clock. On the needle is Rossinus. Craig advanced furious. As he did so, clutching hand pointed calmly to the clock. It was twenty minutes of three. With a mental struggle, Kennedy controlled his loathing at the creature before him. All right, but you'll hear from me. Sooner than you suspect, he shouted, starting for the door. Then he came back and lifted his hat, hiding, as much as possible, the selenium cell, letting the light fall on it. Only Elane's life has saved you. With the last threat, he dashed out. He hailed a cab, returning from some steamship walls, not far away. Quick, he ordered, giving the dodge a dress on Fifth Avenue. Minute after minute, the police and I waited. Was anything wrong? Where was Craig? Just then a tremor grew into a tinkle. Then came the strong bear at the bell. Kennedy needed us. With a shout of encouragement to the men, I dashed out and over to the old house. Meanwhile, clutching hand himself, had approached the table to recover his weapon, and had noticed the queer little selenium cell. He picked it up and for the first time saw the wire leading out. The juice, he cried. His planned to get me anyhow. Clutching hand rushed to the door. Then stopped short. Outside, he could hear the police and myself. We had shot the lock on the outside and were already inside. Clutching hand slammed shut his door and pulled down over it a heavy wooden bar. A few steps took him to the window. There were police in the backyard too. He was surrounded. But he did not hurry. He knew what to do with every second. At the desk, he paused and took out a piece of cardboard. Then, with a heavy black marking pencil, he calmly printed on it. While we batted at the barricaded door, a few short feet away. He laid the sign on the desk. Then, on another piece of cardboard, drew crudely a hand with the index finger pointing. This he placed on a chair, indicating the desk. Just as the swaying and bulging door gave way, clutching hand gave the desk a pull. It opened up his getaway. He closed it with a sadonic smile in our direction, just before the door crashed in. We looked about. There was not a soul in the room, nothing but the selenium cell, the chairs, the desk. Look, I cried, catching sight of the index finger and going over to the desk. We rolled back the top. There on the flat top was a sign. Dear blockheads, Kennedy and I couldn't wait. Yours as ever. Then came that mysterious sign of the clutching hand. We hunted over the rooms, but could find nothing that showed a clue. Where was clutching hand? Where was Kennedy? In the next house clutching hand had literally come out of an upright piano into the room corresponding to that he had left. Hastily he threw off his handkerchief, slouch hat, old coat and trousers. A neat striped pair of trousers replaced the old, frayed and baggy pair. A new shirt, then a sporty vest and a frock coat followed. As he put the finishing touches on, he looked for all the world like a big whiskered foreigner. With a silk hat and stick, he surveyed himself, straightening his tie. At the door of the new headquarters, a few seconds later, I stood with the police. Not a sign of him anywhere, growled one of the officers. Nor was there, down the street, we could see only a straight well-dressed, distinguished looking man, who had evidently walked down to the docks to see a friend dock, perhaps. Elaine was sitting in the library reading when Aunt Josephine turned to her. What time is it, dear? she asked. Elaine glanced at her pretty new trinket. Nearly three, auntie, a couple of minutes, she said. Just then, there came the sound of feet, running madly down the hallway. They jumped up, startled. Kennedy, his coat flying, and hat jammed over his eyes, had almost bowled over poor Jennings in his mad race down the hall. Well, demanded Elaine Hortley. What? Before she knew what was going on, Crave hurried up to her, and literally ripped the watch of her wrist, breaking the beautiful bracelet. He held it up gingerly. Elaine was speechless. Was this Kennedy? Was he possessed by such an inordinate jealousy of Bennett? As he held the watch up, the second hand ticked around, and the minute hand passed the meridian at the hour. A viciously sharp little needle gleamed out, then sprung back into the filigree work again. Well, she gasped again. What's the occasion of this? Crave gazed at Elaine in silence. Should he defend his rudeness, if she did not understand, she stamped her foot and repeated the question a third time. What do you mean, sir, by such conduct? Slowly he bowed. I just don't like the kind of birthday presents you receive, he said, turning on his heel. Good afternoon. End of Chapter 11 Chapter 12 of The Exploits of Elaine This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The Exploits of Elaine by Arthur B Reeve, Chapter 12 The Blood Crystals On your right is the residence of Miss Elaine Dodge, the heiress who is pursuing the famous master criminal known as The Clutching Hand. The barker had been grandall eloquently pointing out the residences of noted New Yorkers as the big sightseeing car lumbered along through the streets. The car was filled with people, and he plied his megaphone as though he were on intimate terms with all the city notables. No one paid any attention to the unobtrusive Chinaman who sat inconspicuously in the middle of the car. He was Mr Long Sim, but no one saw anything particularly mysterious about an Oriental visitor more or less viewing New York City. Long was of the Mandarin type, with grouping mustache well greased in American clothes and conforming to the new customs of an accidentalised China. Anyone, however, who had been watching Long Sim would have seen that he showed much interest whenever any of the wealthy residents of the city were mentioned. The name of Elaine Dodge seemed particularly to striking. He listened with subtle interest to what the barker said and looked keenly at the Dodge House. The sightseeing car had passed the house when he rose slowly in motion that he wanted to be let off. The car stopped. He alighted and slowly rambled away, evidently marvelling greatly at the strange customs of these uncouth westerners. Elaine was going out when she met Perry Bennett almost on the steps of the house. I've brought you the watch, remarked Bennett, thought I'd like to give it to you myself. He displayed the watch which he himself had bought a couple of days before for a birthday. He had called for it himself at the duelers where it had now been regulated. Oh, thank you, exclaimed Elaine. Won't you come in? They had scarcely greeted each other when Long Sim strolled along. Neither of them, however, had time to notice the quiet Chinaman who passed the house, looking at Elaine sharply out of the corner of his eye. They entered and Long disappeared down the street. Isn't it a beauty? cried Elaine, holding it out from her as they entered the library and examining it with great appreciation. And, oh, do you know the strangest thing happened yesterday? Sometimes Mr Kennedy acts too clearly for anything. She related how Craig had burst in on her and Aunt Josephine and had almost torn the other watch off her wrist. Another watch, repeated Bennett, amazed. At must have been a mistake. Kennedy is crazy. I don't understand it myself, murmured Elaine. Long Sim had continued his placid way, revolving some dark and devious plan beneath his impassive oriental countenance. He was no ordinary personage. In fact, he was astute enough to have no record. He left that to his tools. This remarkable criminal had established himself in a hired apartment downtown. It was furnished in rather elegant American style, but he had added to it some most valuable oriental curios, which gave it a fascinating appearance. Long Sim, now in rich oriental costume, was reclining on a demand smoking a strange-looking pipe and playing with two pet white rats. Each white rat had a gold band around his leg, to which was connected a gold chain about a foot in length, and the chains ended in rings, which were slipped over Long's little fingers. Ordinarily, he carried the pets up the capacious sleeve of each arm. A servant, also in native costume, entered and bowed differentially. Amiss Mary Carson, she lisped in soft English. Let the lady enter, waved Long Sim with a smile of subtle satisfaction. The girl bowed again and silently left the room, returning with a handsome, very well-dressed white woman. It would be difficult to analyse just what the fascination was that Long Sim exercised over Mary Carson. But as the servant left the room, Mary bowed almost as differentially as the little Chinese girl, Long merely nodded in reply. After a moment, he slowly rose and took from a drawer a newspaper clipping. Without a word, he handed it to Mary. She looked at it with interest, as one woman always does, at the picture of another pretty woman. It was a newspaper cut of Elaine, under which was. Elaine Dodge, the heiress whose battle with the clutching hand is creating worldwide interest. Now he began, at last, breaking the silence. I'll show you just what I want you to do. He went over to the wall and took down a curious Long Chinese knife from a scabbard which hung there conspicuously. See that, he added, holding it up. Before she could say a word, he had plunged the knife, apparently, into his own breast. Oh! cried Mary, startled. She expected to see him fall. But nothing happened. Long Sim laughed. It was an oriental trick knife, in which the blade telescoped into the handle. Look at it, he added, handing it to her. Long Sim took a bladder of water, from a table nearby, and concealed it under his coat. Now you stabbed me, he directed. Mary hesitated, but he repeated the command, and she plunged the knife gingerly at him. It telescoped. He made her try it over, and she stabbed more resolutely. The water from the bladder pulled out. Good! cried Long Sim, much pleased. Now, he added, seating himself beside her. I want you to lure Elan here. Mary looked at him inquiringly, as he returned the knife to its scabbard on the wall. Remember where it is, he continued. Now, if you will come into the other room, I will show you how to get her. I had been amusing myself by rigging up a contrivance, by which I could make it possible to see through, or rather over, a door. The idea had been suggested to me by the sister scope, which physicians use in order to look down one's throat. And I had calculated that by using three mirrors, placed at proper angles, I could easily reflect rays down to the level of my eye. Kennedy, who had been busy in the other end of the laboratory, happened to look over in my direction. What's the big idea, Walter? he asked. It was, I admit, a rather cumbersome and clumsy affair. Well, you see, Craig, I explained. You put the top mirror through the transom of the door, and Kennedy interrupted, with a hearty burst of laughter. But suppose the door has no transom, he asked, pointing to our own door. I scratched my head thoughtfully. I had assumed that the door would have a transom. A moment later, Craig went to the cabinet and drew out a tube, about as big around as a putty blower, and as long. Now, here's what I call my detector scope, he remarked. None of your mirrors for me. I know, I said somewhat nettle. But what can you see through that putty blower? A keyhole is just as good. Do you realise how little you can really see through a keyhole? He replied confidently. Try it over there. I did, and to tell the truth, I could see merely a little part of the hall. Then Kennedy inserted the detector scope. Look through that, he directed. I put my eye to the eyepiece and gazed through the bulging lens at the other end. I could see almost the whole hall. That, he explained, is what is known as a fisheye lens, a lens that looks through an angle of some 180 degrees, almost twice that, at the widest angle lens I know of. I said nothing, but tossed my own crude invention into the corner, while Craig went back to work. Elaine was playing with Rusty when Jennings brought in a card on which was engraved the name, Miss Mary Carson, and underneath, in pencil, was written, Belgian Relief Committee. How interesting, commented Elaine, rising and accompanying Jennings back into the drawing room. I wonder what she wants. Very pleased to meet you, Miss Carson, she greeted her visitor. You see, Miss Dodge, begun Mary. We're getting up this movement to help the Belgians, and we have splendid backing. Just let me show you some of the names on our committee. She handed Elaine a list, which read, Belgian Relief Committee, Mrs. Borbiton Fish, Mrs. Hamilton Beckman, Mrs. C. August Islam, Mrs. Belmont Rivington, Mrs. Rupert Solvay. I've just been sent to see if I cannot persuade you to join the committee, and attend a meeting at Mrs. Rivington's. She went on. Why? Considered Elaine thoughtfully. Yes, it must be all right with such people in it. Can you go with me now? Just as well as later, agreed Elaine. They went out together, and as they were leaving the house, a man who had been loitering outside looked at Elaine, then fixedly at her companion. No sooner had they gone than he sped off to a car waiting around the corner. In the dark depths was a sinister figure, the master criminal himself. The watcher had been an emissary at the clutching hand. Cheap, he whispered eagerly. You know adventurous Mary. Well, she's got Elaine dodged in tow. That juice cried clutching hand. Then we must teach Mary Carson, or whoever she is working for, a lesson. No one shall interfere with our affairs. Follow them. Elaine and Mary had gone downtown, talking animately and walked down the avenue towards Mrs. Rivington's apartment. Meanwhile, long sin, still in his Chinese costume, was explaining to the servant just what he wished done, pointing out the dagger on the wall, and replacing the bladder under his jacket. A box of opium was on the table, and he was giving most explicit directions. It was in such a web that Elaine was being unwittingly led by Mary. Entering the hallway of the apartment, Mary rung the bell. Long heard it. Answer it. He directed the servant, who hastened to do so, while long glided like a serpent into a back room. The servant opened the door, and Elaine and Mary entered. He closed the door, and almost before they knew, locked it, and was gone into the back room. Elaine gazed about in trepidation, but before she could say anything, Mary, with a great show of surprise, exclaimed, Why, I must have made a mistake. This isn't Mrs. Rivington's apartment. How stupid of me. They looked at each other a moment, then each laughed nervously. As together they started to go out of the door. It was locked. Quickly they ran to another door. It was locked also. Then they went to the windows. Behind the curtains they were barred and looked out on a blank brick wall in a little court. Oh cried Mary, wringing her hands, stricken in mock panic. Oh, I'm so frightened. This may bed the den of Chinese white slavers. She had picked up some Chinese articles on a table, including the box that Long had left there. It had a peculiar odor. Opium, she whispered, showing it to Elaine. The two looked at each other. Elaine genuinely worried now. Just then the Chinaman entered and stood a moment gazing at them. They turned and Elaine recoiled from him. Long bowed. Oh, sir, cried Mary, we've made a mistake. Can't you tell us how to get out? Long's only answer was to spread out his hands in polite deprecation and shrugged his swab shoulders. No speaking less, he said, gliding out again from the room and closing the door. Elaine and Mary looked about in despair. What shall we do? asked Elaine. Mary said nothing, but with a hasty glance discovered on the wall the knife which Long had already told her about. She took it from its scabbard. As she did so the Chinaman returned with a tray on which were queer drinks and glasses. At the sight of Mary with the knife he scaled blackly, laid the tray down, and took a few steps in her direction. She brandished the knife threateningly. Then, as if her nerve failed her, fainted letting the knife fall carefully on the floor, so that it struck on the handle and not on the blade. Long quickly caught her as she fainted and carried her out of the room, banging shut the door. Elaine followed in a moment, loyally to protect her supposed friend, but found that the door had a snapped lock on the other side. She looked about wobbly and in a moment long reappeared. As she advanced slowly and insinuatingly she drew back, pleading, but her words fell on seemingly deaf ears. She had picked up the knife which Mary had dropped and when at last long manoeuvred to get her cornered and was about to seize her, she nerved herself up and stabbed him resolutely. Long staggered back and fell. As he did so he pressed the bladder which he had already placed under his coat. A dark red fluid like blood oozed out all over him and ran in a pool on the floor. Elaine too horror-stricken at what had happened, even to scream, dropped the knife and bent over him. He did not move. She staggered back and ran through the now open door. As she did so, Long seemed suddenly to come to life. He raised himself and looked after her, then with a subtle smile sunk back into his former assumed posture on the floor. When Elaine reached the other room she found Mary there with the Chinese servant who was giving her a glass of water. At the sight of her the servant paused, then withdrew into another room further back. Mary now apparently recovering from her faintness smiled wanily at Elaine. It's all right, she murmured. He is the Chinese prince who thought we were callers. At the reassuring nod of Mary toward the front room, Elaine was overcome. I killed him, she managed to gasp. What? cried Mary, starting up and trembling violently. You killed him? Yes, sobbed Elaine. He came at me. I had the knife. I struck at him. The two girls ran into the other room. There Mary looked at the motionless body on the floor and recoiled horrified. Elaine noticing some spots on her hands and seeing that they were stained by the blood of long sin, wiped the spots off on her handkerchief, dropping it on the floor. Ah! exclaimed a guttural voice behind them. It was the servant who had come in. Even his ordinarily impassive oriental face could not conceal the horror and fear at the sight of his master lying on the floor in a pool of gall. Elaine was now more frightened than ever, if that were possible. You killed him with knife, insinuated the Chinese. Elaine was done. The servant did not wait for an answer, but hastily opened the hall door. To Elaine it seemed that something must be done quickly. A moment and all the house would be in uproar. Instead he placed his finger on his lips. Quick, no word, he said, leading the way to the hall door. And you must not leave that. It will be a clue, he added, picking up the bloody handkerchief and pressing it into Elaine's hand. They quickly ran out into the hall. Go quick, he urged again, and hide the handkerchief in the bag. Let no one see it. He shut the door. As they hurried away, Elaine breathed a sigh of relief. Why did he let us go, though? She whispered, her head in a whirl. I don't know, panted Mary. But anyhow, thank heaven, we are out of it. Come, she added, taking Elaine's arm. Not a soul has seen us, except the servant. Let us get away as quietly as we can. They had reached the street, afraid to run. They hurried as fast as they could, until they turned the first corner. Elaine looked back. No one was pursuing. We must separate, added Mary. Let us go different ways. I will see you later. Perhaps I will think some enemy has murdered him. They pressed each other's hands and parted. Meanwhile, in the front room, long sin was on his feet again, brushing himself off and mopping up the blood. It worked very well, Sam, he said to the servant. They were conversing eagerly and laughing, and did not hear a noise in the back room. A sinister figure had made its way, by means of a fire escape, to a rear window that was not barred, and silently he had stolen in on them. Cat-like he advanced, but instead of striking at them, he quietly took a seat in a chair close behind them, a magazine revolver in his hand. They turned at a slight noise and saw him. Genuine fright was now on their faces, as they looked at him, open-mouthed. What's all this? he growled. I am known as the clutching hand. I allow no interferences with my affairs. Tell me what you are doing here, with a lone dodge. Their beady, almond eyes flashed fear. Clutching hand moved menacingly. There was nothing for the astute long sin to do, but to submit. Cowed by the well-known power of the master criminal, he took clutching hand into his confidence. With a low bow, long sin spread out his hands in surrender and submission. I will tell you, Honorable Sir, he said at length, Go on, growled the criminal. Quickly long rehearsed what had happened, from the moment the idea of blackmail had entered his head. How about Mary Carson, asked clutching hand. I saw her here. Long gave a glance of almost superstitious thread at the man, as if he had an evil eye. She will be back, is here now, he added, opening the door at a knock and admitting her. Adventurous Mary had hurried back to see that all was right. This time Mary was genuinely scared at the forbidding figure of which she had heard. Is it all right, pacified long? Henceforth we work with the Honorable Clutching Hand. Clutching hand continued to emphasise his demands on them, punctuating his sentences by flourishes of the gun, as he gave them the signs and passwords, which would enable him to work with his own emissaries. It was a strange initiation. At home at last Elaine sunk down into a deep library chair, and stared straight ahead. She saw visions of arrest and trial, of the terrible electric chair with herself in it, bound and of giving of the fatal sign for turning on the current. Were such things as these going to happen to her, without Kennedy's help? Why had they quarrelled? She buried her face in her hands and went. Then she would stand at no longer. She had not taken off her street clothes. She rose and almost fled from the house. Kennedy and I were still in the laboratory when a knock sounded at the door. I went to the door and opened it. There stood Elaine Dodge. It was a complete surprise to Craig. There was silence between them for a moment, and they merely looked at each other. Elaine was pale and won't be gone. At last Kennedy took a quick step toward her, and led her to a chair. Still, he felt a sort of constraint. What is the matter? He asked at length. She hesitated. Then suddenly burst down. Craig, I am a murderous. I have never seen such a look on Craig's face. I know he wanted to laugh and say, you are murderous. Yet he would not have offended even herself accusation of the world. He managed to do the right thing and say nothing. Then she pulled forth the story substantially, as I have said it down. But without the explanation, which at that time was not known to any of us. Oh, expostulated Craig, there must be some mistake. It's impossible, impossible. No, she asserted. Look, here's my handkerchief, all spotted with blood. She opened the bag and displayed the blood spotted handkerchief. He took it and examined it carefully. Elaine, he said earnestly, not at all displeased. I could see that something had come up that might blot out the past unfortunate misunderstanding. There simply must be something wrong here. Leave this handkerchief with me. I'll do my best. There was still a little restraint between them. She was almost ready to beg his pardon, for all the coolness there had been between them, yet still hesitated. Thank you, she said simply, as she left the laboratory. Craig went to work abruptly, without a word. On the laboratory table, he placed his blended microscope and several cases of slides, as well as innumerable micro-photographs. He had been working for some time when he looked up. Ever hear of Dr. Edward Reichart of the University of Pennsylvania and his wonderful discoveries of how blood crystals vary in different species? He asked. I had not, but did not admit it. Well, he went on. There is a blood test so delicate, that one might almost say that he could identify a criminal by the fingerprints, so to speak, of his blood crystals. The hemoglobin, or red-colouring matter, forms crystals, and the variations of these crystals, both in form and molecular construction, are such that they set apart every species of animal, from every other, and even the races of men. Perhaps they may even set apart individuals. Here, Walter, we have sample of human blood crystals. I looked through the microscope, as he directed. There I could see the crystals, sharply defined. And here, he added, are the crystals of the blood on Elaine's handkerchief. I looked again as he changed the slides. There was a marked difference, and I looked up at him quickly. It is dog's blood, not human blood, he said simply. I looked again at the two sets of slides. There could be no doubt that there was a plain difference. Wonderful, I exclaimed. Yes, wonderful, he agreed. But what's the game back of all this? That's the main question now. Long after clutching hand had left, long sin was giving instructions to his servant, and adventurous Mary, just how he had had to change his plans, as a result of the unexpected visit. Very well nodded Mary as she left him. I will do as you say. Trust me. It was not much later then that Elaine received a second visit from Mary. Show her in, Jennings, she said to the butler nervously. Indeed, she felt that every eye must be upon her. Even Jennings would know of her guilt soon. Anxiously, therefore, Elaine looked at her visitor. Do you know why the servant allowed us to leave the apartment? whispered Mary, with a glance about fearfully, as if the walls had ears. No, why? inquired Elaine anxiously. He's a tong man who has been chosen to do away with the prince. He followed me and says you have done his work for him. If you will give him $10,000 for expenses, he will attend to hiding the body. Here at least was the way out. But do you think that is all right? Can he do it? asked Elaine eagerly. Do it. Why? Those tong men can do anything for money. Only one must be careful not to offend them. Mary was very convincing. Yes, I suppose you are right, agreed Elaine, finally. I had better do as you say. It is the safest way out of the trouble. Yes, I'll do it. I'll stop at the bank now and get the money. They rose and Mary proceeded her, eager to get away from the house. At the door, however, Elaine asked her to wait while she ran back on some pretext. In the library she took off the receiver at the telephone and quickly called a number. Our telephone rung in the middle of our conversation on blood crystals and Kennedy himself answered it. It was Elaine asking Crade's advice. They have offered to hush the thing up for $10,000, she said in a muffled voice. She seemed bent on doing it and no amount of argument from him could stop her. She simply refused to accept the evidence of the blood crystals as better than what her own eyes told her she had seen and done. Then wait for half an hour, he answered, without arguing further. You can do that without exciting suspicion. Go with her to a hotel and hand her over the money. All right, I'll do it, she agreed. What is the hotel? Crade wrote on a slip of paper what she told him. Room 509, Hotel Lacoste. Good, I'm glad you called me. Count on me. He finished as he hung up the receiver. Hastily he threw on his street coat. Go into the back room and get me that brace and bit, Walter, he asked. I did so. When I returned I saw that he had placed the detector scope and some other stuff in a bag. He shoved in the brace and bit also. Come on, hurry, he urged. We must have made a record time in getting to the Coste. It was an all-night place where merely to breathe was expensive. We entered and by some excuse, Kennedy contrived to get past the vigilant bell hops. We passed the telephone switchboard and entered the elevator getting off at the fifth floor. With a hasty glance up and down the corridor to make sure no one was about, Kennedy came to room 509 then passed to the next 511 opening the door with a skeleton key. We entered and Craig locked the door behind us. It was an ordinary hotel room but well furnished. Fortunately it was unoccupied. Quietly Craig went to the door which led to the next room. It was of course locked also. He listened a moment carefully not a sound. Quickly with an exclamation of satisfaction he opened that door also and went into 509. This room was much like that in which we had already been. He opened the hall door. Watch here, Walter. He directed. Let me know at the slightest alarm. Craig had already taken the brace and bit from the bag and started to bore through the wall into room 511 selecting a spot behind a picture of a Spanish dancer. A spot directly back of her snapping black eyes. He finished quickly and inserted the detector scope so that the lens fitted as an eye in the picture. The eyepiece was in room 511. Then he started to brush up the pieces of plaster on the floor. Craig I whispered hastily as I heard an elevator door. Someone's coming. He hurried to the door and look. There they are he said as we saw Elaine and Mary rounding the corner of the hall. Across the hall although we did not know it at the time in room 540 already Longson had taken up his station just to be handy. There he had been with his servant playing with his two trained white rats. Long placed them up his capacious sleeves and carefully opened the door to look out. Unfortunately he was just in time to see the door of 509 open and disclose us. His subtle glance detected our presence without our knowing it hastily picking up the brace and bit and the rest of the debris and with a last look at the detector scope which was hardly noticeable even if one already knew it was there. We hurried into 511 and shut the door. Kennedy mounted a chair and applied his eye to the detector scope to send Mary and Elaine into the next room Mary opening the door with a regular key. Won't you step in she asked. Elaine did so and Mary hesitated in the hall. Longson had slipped out on noiseless feet and taken refuge behind some curtains. As he saw her alone he beckoned to Mary. There's a stranger in the next room he whispered I don't like him take the money and as quickly as possible get out and go to my apartment. At the news that there was a suspicious stranger about Mary showed great alarm everything was so rapid now that the slightest hesitation meant disaster. Perhaps by quickness even a suspicious stranger could be fooled she reasoned. At any rate Longson was resourceful she had better trust him. Mary followed Elaine into the room where she had seated herself already and locked the door. Have you the money there she asked. Yes not at Elaine taking out the package of bills which she had got from the bank during the half hour delay. All this we could see bogazing alternately through the detector scope. Elaine handed Mary the money. Mary counted it slowly at last she looked up. It's all right she said now I'll take this to that tall leader he's in a room only just across the hall. She went out. Kennedy at the detector scope was very excited as this went on he now jumped off the chair on which he had been standing and rushed to the door to head her off. To our surprise in spite of the fact that we could turn the key in the lock it was impossible to open it. It was only a moment that Craig paused at the door the next moment he burst into 509 followed closely by me. With a scream Elaine was on her feet in an instant. There was no time for explanations however he rushed to the door to go out but it was locked somehow on the outside. The skeleton key would not work at any rate. He shot the lock and dashed out calling back Walter stay there with Elaine. Mary had just succeeded in getting on the elevator as Kennedy hurried down the hall. The door was closed and the car descended. He rung the push bell furiously but there was no answer. Had he got so far in the chase only to be outwitted he dashed back to the room with us and jerked down the telephone receiver. Hello hello hello he called no answer. There seemed to be no way to get a connection what was the matter he hurried down the hall again. No sooner had Elaine and Mary actually gone into the room than long any servant stole out of 540 across the hall somewhere they had obtained a strong but thin rope. Quickly and silently long tied the handle of the door 511 in which we were to the handle of 540 which he was vacating as both doors opened inward and were opposite they were virtually locked. Then long when his servant hurried down the hallway to the elevator down in the hotel lobby with his followers the Chinaman pause before the telephone switchboard where two girls were at work. You may go ordered long as his man left he moved over closer to the switchboard. He was listening eagerly and also watching an indicator that told the numbers of the rooms which call as they flashed interview. Just as a call from 509 flashed up long slipped the rings of his little fingers and loosened the white rats on the telephone switchboard itself. With a shriek the telephone system of the Kosti went temporarily out of business. The operators fled to the nearest chairs drawing their skirts about them. There was the greatest excitement among all the women in the corridor such a display of hosiery was never contemplated by even the most daring costumers. Shouts from the bellboys who sought to catch the rats who scampered hither and thither in frightened abandon mingled with the shrieks of the ladies. Kennedy had succeeded in finding the old cove of the floor clerk in charge of the fifth floor. There on his desk was an instrument having a stylus on the end of two arms connected to a system of magnets. It was a teleautograph. Unceremoniously Craig pushed the clerk out of his seat and sat down himself. It was a last chance now that the telephone was out of commission. Down stairs in the hotel office where the excitement had not spread to everyone was the other end of the electric long distance writer. It started to write as Kennedy wrote upstairs. House detective quick whole woman with blue chantalane bag getting out of elevator. The clerks downstairs saw it and shouted above the din of the rat baiting. McCain McCain the clerk had torn up the message from the teleautograph register and handed it to the house man who pushed his way to the desk. Quickly the detective called to the bell hops. Together they hurried after the well dressed woman who had just swept out of the elevator. Mary had already passed through the excited lobby and out and was about to cross the street safe. McCain and the bell hops were now in full cry after her. Flight was useless. She took refuge in indignation and threats. That McCain was abduent. She passed quickly to tears and pleadings. It had no effect. They insisted on leading her back. The game was up. Even an offer of money failed to move their adamantine hearts. Nothing would do but that she must face her accusers. In the meantime long sin had recovered his precious and useful pets. Life in the costier had assumed something of its normal aspect and Crave had succeeded in getting an elevator. It was just as Mary was led in threatening and pleading by turns that he stepped off in the lobby. There was, however, still just enough excitement to cover a little pantomime. Long sin had been about to slip out of a side door, thinking always well. When he caught sight of Mary being led back she had also seen him and began to struggle again. Quickly he shook his head, indicating for her to stop. Then slowly he secretly made the sign of the clutching hand at her. It meant that she must not snitch. She obeyed instantly and he quietly disappeared. Here cried Kennedy. Take her up in the elevator. I'll prove the case. With the house detective and Kennedy Mary was hustled into the elevator and whisked back as she had escaped. In the meantime I had gathered up what stuck we had in the room we had entered and had returned with Kennedy's bag. What's it all about? Inquired alone excitedly. I tried to explain. Just then out in the hall we could hear loud voices and that of Mary above the rest. Kennedy, a man who looked like a detective and some bellboys were leading her toward us. Now not a word of who she is in the papers McCann. Kennedy was saying, evidently about Elan. You know it wouldn't sound well for La Costa. As for that woman well I've got the money back. You can take her off, make the charge. As the house man left with Mary I hand to Craig his bag. We moved toward the door and as we stood there a moment with Elan he quietly handed over to her the big roll of bills. She took it with surprise still written in her big blue eyes. Oh thank you I might have known it was only a black male scheme. She cried eagerly. Craig held out his hand and she took it quickly gazing into his eyes. Craig bowed politely not knowing what to do under the circumstances. If he had been less of a scientist he might have understood the look on her face but with a nod to me he turned and went. As she looked first at him then at the poultry ten thousand in her hand Elan stamped her little foot in vexation. I'm glad I didn't say anything more she cried. No no he shall beg my pardon first there.