As we flung ourselves into the room, Bennett rushed into a closet
in a corner, slamming the door behind him. It was composed of
sheet iron and effectually prevented anyone from breaking through.
Kennedy and I tried vainly, however, to pry it open.
While we were thus endeavoring to force an entrance, Bennett, in a
sort of closet, had put on the coat, hat and mask which he
invariably wore in the character of the Clutching Hand. Then he
cautiously opened a secret door in the back of the closet and
slowly made an exit.
. . . . . . . .
Meanwhile, the secretary had been doing his best to revive Elaine,
who was lying in a chair, hysterical and half unconscious from the
terrible shock she had experienced.
Intent on discovering Bennett's whereabouts, Kennedy and I
examined the wall of the office, thinking there might possibly be
some button or secret spring which would open the closet door.
While we were doing so, the door of a large safe in the
secretary's office gradually opened and the Clutching Hand emerged
from it, stepping carefully towards the door leading to the outer
office, intent on escaping in that direction.
At that moment, I caught sight of him, and leaping into the
secretary's office, I drew my revolver and ordered him to throw up
his hands. He obeyed.
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