The other crooks backed away and stood, hesitating, not knowing
quite what to do.
The police had by this time finished battering in the door and had
rushed into the outer passage.
While the flames leaped up, the crooks closed the last door into
the room.
"Run!" shouted Clutching Hand, as they opened a secret gate
disclosing a spiral flight of iron steps.
A moment later all had disappeared except Clutching Hand himself.
The last door would hold only a few seconds, but Clutching Hand
was waiting to take advantage of even that. With a last frantic
effort he sought to direct the terrific ray at us. Elaine acted
instantly. With all her strength she rushed forward, overturning
the machine.
Clutching Hand uttered a growl and slowly raised his gun, taking
aim with the butt for a well-directed blow at her head.
Just then the door yielded and a policeman stuck his head and
shoulders through. His revolver rang out and Clutching Hand's
automatic flew out of his grasp, giving him just enough time to
dodge through and slam the secret door in the faces of the squad
as they rushed in.
Back of the house, Clutching Hand and the other crooks were now
passing through a bricked passage. The fire had got so far beyond
control by this time that it drove the police back from their
efforts to open the secret door.
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