"No matter how much YOU accuse me," added Craig casually, "no one
will ever take the word of a crook that a reputable scientist like
me would do what I am about to do."
He had taken out his penknife and opened it. Then he beckoned to
me.
"Bare his arm and hold his wrist, Walter," he said.
Craig bent down with the knife and the tube, then paused a moment
and turned the tube so that we could see it.
On the label were the ominous words:
Germ culture 6248A Bacillus Leprae (Leprosy)
Calmly he took the knife and proceeded to make an incision in the
man's arm. The crook's feelings underwent a terrific struggle.
"No--no--no--don't," he implored. "I will take you to the
Clutching Hand--even if it kills me!"
Kennedy stepped back, replacing the tube in his pocket.
"Very well, go ahead!" he agreed.
We followed the crook, Craig still holding the deadly box of
fulminate of mercury carefully balanced so that if anyone shot him
from a hiding place it would drop.
. . . . . . . .
No sooner had we gone than Gertie hurried to the nearest telephone
to inform the Clutching Hand of our escape.
Elaine had sunk back into the chair, as the telephone rang.
Clutching Hand answered it.
A moment later, in uncontrollable fury he hurled the instrument to
the floor.
Pages:
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156