Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 41, Number 263, 21 September 1916 — Page 10

PAGE TEN

THE RICHMOND PALLADIUM AND SUN-TELEGRAM, THURSDAY, SEPT. 21,, 1916

1 rm. m

"THE IRON fPLAW"

BY ARTHUR STRINGER

Read this story In tha Palladium and tee it at the Palace. By this time the Laughing Mask was up on bis feet, and face to face with his enemy. Before the revolTer could Again be brought into play the two had clenched. Then the Iron Claw went down before a clean-cnt blow from bis opponent , He recovered himself sufficiently, however, to roll to where bis fallen revolver lay. But before he could lerel that firearm at his adversary the Laughing Mask, remembering that even the officers of the law were no longer his friends, dived out through the small door at the rear of the studio and disappeared from sight, for already the sound of O'Mara and his rescuing party could be beard as they swarmed up the stairs. The Iron Claw himself heard those sounds, drew himself together, and stared helplessly about the disman. tied studio. Then the instinct of selfpreservation reasserted Itself. He ran to the back of the room, dived into a kitchenette, found a Bmall door in its wall, swung it open, discovered a dumb-waiter shaft in front of him, and escaped to the street The Corridors of Dread. Margery Golden, as she sat in the tazicab which carried her homeward, was comforted by the thought that she had at least saved the life of a factory girl to whom she stood indebted for her own escape from death. The further thought that she bad sent Dan O'Mara and his exhausted daughter safely home In ber own luxurious limousine even reconciled her to the somewhat stuffy-aired public conveyance in which she found herself. She blinked meditatively out at the back of the heavy faced driver so sullenly and yet so adroitly piloting her through the tangle of traffic. Then the abstraction suddenly went from her eyes and the. listlessness from her pose. For, from the back window of the red-wheeled taxicab immediately In front of her she caught sight of a peering face. And it took no second glance to tell her that it was the deep-seared face of the Iron Claw himself. The next moment Margery was shouting to her sullen-faced driver. "Follow that red-wheeled taxi," she

told him, pointing down the side j street. "Keep within sight of it, what- f ever happens!" I Soon they had left the city well be-! hind them and were in that twilight 7one which is neither quite rural nor quite urban. But Margery, the mo-1 ment Bhe saw the red-wheeled taxicab ! come to a stop, commanded her driver j to draw in under the shadow of. a i

dense row of catalpa trees. There, from the running board of her car, she beheld Legar step out on the road, pay bis chauffeur, and stand looking

after the departing taxicab until it disappeared from sight. Then he turned J about, pushed his way in through a , tangle of shrubbery, and left the lone- 1 ly roadside as empty as a desert trail. Then the resolute browed young o-, man turned to her chauffeur. ! "I'm going to follow that man. If 1 j fail to return here inside of ten min- i i utes, I want you to get any help you can, and come after me." j Margery stole along the shadowy j roadside to the spot where she had j seen Legar creep in through the j bushes. She followed as best she J could, found herself face to face with ;

a tunnel-opening that showed itself dimly in the moonlight, and after a moment's hesitation stooped low and crept into this tunnel, feeling her way cautiously along the smooth brickwork of its walls. She came to a turn, buttressed with heavier masonry, and padded along this wall until her groping fingers came in contact with a light switch. This, after a moment's thought, she turned on. The next moment a number of bulbs along the corridor roof above her flowered into light Staring ahead of her, she saw that the corridor ended in nothing but a blank wall. But as sho stared Intently at the wall she detected in one side'of it a partially concealed electric button. She moved toward this cautiously, for she had learned of old to be wary of approach to any of Legar's fastnesses. Then, as she advanced, 6he came to a sudden stop. For she saw on the flagstone upon which she was about to step a small cross. There was also a minute crevice, unnoticeable in its companions, "about this quadrangle so suspiciously marked by its cross. So she stepped carefully over the suspected area, crept forward to the button, and touched it with a tentative fingertip. " The next moment a remarkable thing happened. A section of the heavy masonry shutting off the end of the corridor, at that touch, swung silently about on its axis, leaving an aperture wide enough for a human body to pass through. The girl, holding her breath, stepped through the ponderous masonry. This chamber, she saw, was empty, except for two mysterious strands of iron chain that ran from ceiling to floor, close against the wall, while against the other stood a deal table and a camp couch across which lay a couple of very dirty blankets. But along the floor at the far end of the room her quick eye detected a thin pencil of light So she tiptoed quietly forward until sho stood close to the

door above this illuminated crevice. Then she stooped lower, listening intently, for the sound of muffled voices came to her from the room within. "I tell you we can't afford to fail In this move," she heard the voice of Legar himself announce. "The thing's got to be settled, and settled before morning!" "But how?" asked one of bis followers. , "With two pounds of guncotton and a time fue," was Legar's. reply.

Tn the O'Mara cottager asaea another voice. , .; "Yes; I want that cottage wiped off the face of the earth, and the family with it! And I want It done before morning!" Margery listened, oblivious of the passing of time, as the conspirators behind the closed door continued to debate on their plan of action. Then she started, even as much as they did, when the sudden buzzing of an electric annunciator warned that Intent group of an intruder's approach, It was then and only then that the girl remembered her parting message to the taxicab driver. All that was left her to do was to dart over to the camp cot and drop down on the stone floor beside It The next moment Legar and his men were in the outer chamber.Whila one of the men crept to a secret outlook crevice in the farther wall Legar himself stepped to one of the control chains which ran from floor to ceiling on the other side of the room, and by pulling one of these started into action some mysterious mechanism which the watching girl could not quite comprehend. She saw them run back to the inner room and stand waiting while Legar manipulated still another secret spring which threw open a hidden door in the back wall of that room. And that door, she surmised, led by some unknown passage to the outer world. But Margery did not give much thought to this, for there came to her as she regained her feet the repeated cry of a human being, a cry husky with terror. She ran to the pivot door in the masonry, swuns it back, and there beheld a sight which made her blood run cold. It took her, in fact, a ponderable space of time to understand the scene confronting her. But as she stared out she saw where her unsuspecting chauffeur had stepped on the cross-marked flagstone, for it was now several inches lower than the rest of the floor. And this, obviously, had released a steel arm which had swung suddenly forward and swept the startled intruder flat against the stone wall, holding , him there as in a vise. And as he stood pinioned there a great block of granite, released by some hidden machinery, was slowly descending from the roof of the corridor. Margery quickly manipulated the chains and released the chauffeur. "Let me at 'em!" he shouted, brandishing the automobile wrench which he still carried in his hand. "Just let me at 'em!"

"It's no use," cried Margery, holding him back. "They have gone, the lot of them. And we've got to follow quickly, or there'll be a whole family meet a worse fate than yours might have been tonight!" She had taken tho wrench from his hand and was leading him out of the tunnel mouth by this time, explaining that he would have to bring his taxicab from Its hiding place and at onco sts.rt in pursuit of the Iron Claw. But these explanations came to a sudden and an unexpected ending, for Legar and his followers, skulking in the bushes, caught that betraying sound of voices and saw a chance that was too good to be missed. They closed in on the girl and the taxi-driver. Yet that sullen-spirited driver, when cornered, fought with an energy so explosive that the entire circle became involved in the struggle. It was Legar himself, and only Legar, who had the presence of mind to direct the attention towards the girl. He swung suddenly about and started for her. She saw him coming, raised the heavy wrench she still carried and sent it flat against his bony temple and took to her heels. She jumped into the empty taxicab and headed for the O'Mara cottage. So colorless was her face as the bewildered Dan O'Mara opened the door that he started back in alarm. And her words were even more disturbing. "Come away!" she called out "Come quick, or it will be too late! " "And what's wrong now?" asked the astounded householder. j "Get Peggy!" gasped the girl as she stared frantically about the little room. "Get her away from here, quick! Tho house has been mined! There's i

been a bomb left here, and any moment" x She stopped speaking, for the pungent smell of powder smoke had assailed her nostrils. Then from the open window, in which a somewhat neglected ' flower-box stood, came a faint sputter of sound. She ran to the window. Lying in the flower-box she saw a heavy cylinder of metal. Even before she caught sight of the time-fuse which quietly hissed and burned at one end of the cylinder, she knew what it was. It was the infernal machine which Legar's agent had placed there to destroy the house. And at any moment the explosion might take place. Margery caught the heavy cylinder up in her hands. She even tried to blow out the fuse. But this was useless. Then she tried to tear it away. But this second effort was equally fruitless. And sheer panic took possession of her at the thought of her helplesness. The bomb dropped from ber fingers to the floor. She made one instinctive effort to warn poor young Peggy O'Mara away, as the girl ran to her side. But instead of repeating that warning she let her arms close about the slender body as though in mute acknowledgment that she knew it was already too late. For the fuse, she could see, was burning down Into the end of the cylinder itself. She even closed her eyes, awaiting the inevitable. She opened them again, at the sound of a sudden step. She opened them to see a masked figure dart into the room, catch, .uj) the smokinz metal

cylTnQer"; and with one and the same movement hurl it. out through the open window.; v i The next moment a great detonation shook the walls of that house. The bomb had exploded. But the house of O'Mara still . stood. And Peggy and her father stared; openmouthed at the newcomer, who, Instead of staring back at them, stood intently regarding Margery Golden. "The Laughing Mask!" said that somewhat shaken young lady, in little more than a whisper. "At your service! " replied the man in the yellow mask, with a hah-hum-ble and half-mocking bow as he. stood, for one fleeting moment, in the narrow doorway. - . (TO BE CONTINUED.) .

NATIONAL LABOR HEAD ' WATCHING CAR CRISIS

I wf I f - SyJrif - ' 5

t SAMUEL GOMPEKSa "I shall not go to the Mayor's office, but I am in close touch with the situation and ready to help the boys," said Samuel Gomper6, president of the American Federation of Labor, when asked what part he intended playing in the new street car crisis which has arisen in New York.

DISMISS TWO SUITS ON MECHANICS LIENS

Two cases for the foreclosure of mechanics' liens were dismissed from circuit court today. William and Herbert Van Etten dismissed their suit against Dr. E. E. Townsend asking for judgment of $17.75 for repairs on an automobile. William Waking dismissed his : suit for $333 judgment as money due him for building a house in the Indiana Yearly Meetings addition on a lot belonging to Donato DIFederico and Vincenzo DIFederico.

DR. FRUTH

Specialist in Chronic, Nervous and Special Diseases. Is Direct from New York City aod will be at Hotel Westcott, Richmond, Ind.,

on Saturday One Day Only, September 23, 1916, returning every 28 days. j "Office Hours: 9 a. m. to 8 p. m. f Dr. Froth Is aa eminently sucoossfal Speotlist in the treatment aod diagnosis of all Ion; itandinr and insistent" Chronic Dlseaaaa and pisordera. He has a tone-Mtabllsbed and well merited reputation, as the result of his larz practice and extensive Hospital experience, which hat made him so proficient that he can pa mo and locate jrour disease in a (eve miantes. ;r. Froth served as an Intern or Hosdttal Doctor ia one oi the largest Hospitals of New York City of which be la a ersdvat. He has successfully treated many otthe most difflontt oaaes of Chronic Diseaaes of mea and women. That is why his reputation baa spread, why be has Continued bis viatta year after year, while other doctors hare made a few visits and stopped. ! Dr. Pruth treats Dtaeasea of (be Eye. Ear.

Nose, Threat Lans;s, Heart. Blood. SkinJ Kervea. Livor. Stomach, Intestines, Kidneys anl Bladder. Consumption fa an early stage. Can larrh, KJofrlov is Bart and Deafness. Paralysis. Neoralaia, Epilepsy. Sick Headache, OoitreJ Bceema, Scrotal. Appendicitis, Gravel, Rheumatism, of joint and tanseiea. Also treats A leases of women oientiflcalty. P1XBS CUBED 'WITHOUT KTCTFB. Fissure. Fistula aad other rectal diseases, treated without aurtrioal operation.

Sarfljieal Cum and Roatrore HVem

Bpeaiau Attn

NERVOUS DEBILITY. Are yon aerrsas aad despoaaot; easily exetted and irritable; wjgak aad debilitated; tired norm laa; without ambition, eaerry or strength; Itfc leis, easily fatigued: distrustful, and without confidence in yourself? Have yoa strokes, rc 1 r blurred eyes, pimple on your face; weals back, or deposit In nrine? i PHITATB ErlSKASES A SPKCIAXTY, Cases of lone standing; espsoiajly desired. 7roar treatment and inootvect diagnosis bav f ten resulted in the worst afflictions. Varico cole. Hydrocele, Blood Poison. Syphilis. XJm .teral Disehargres, Weakness, Bmmlasioj-s, DebRJty, Nervousness, Dizziness, and Defective Memory, which rain body and maod. It is hfczhl Important yon obtain the service of a pbyaiciea who has established a good repntatloa for treat) inar these diseasoe. Dr. Froth hat made years of study of IV. vate Diseases of men and women. He knows and oees the most scientific methods of treating them. Hnndrada of women softer untold agonr with diseases which hare been necleted or aaSkillfully treated. -w-OXDBRFCX OCHBS -Java been made by bias. Torn shonM consul! aim if yon have any Chrease Disease. A Spec leUst woo baa made a lifetime stady of s ,h diseases is certainly prepared to rive you ths best results, aad if yen are sack, yoa need ecien tine treatment. Dr. Froth spares bo effort to core his patients. He knows that rood results mean as much to kim as to the patient. Most of his new patioctj tome throasjh the recommendation of others worn he has treated. Consultation and Kzunlnatlnm Free ad

SECOND LUTHERANS LAUNCH CAMPAIGN FOR YEAR'S WORK

Next Sunday, September the 24th, the Second . English Lutheran Church will launch a campaign for the fall and winter work. At the morning service the pastor, Rev. C. Raymond Isley, will . preach upon the theme, "Stewardship," at the close of which service he - will commission a . group of men who, 'during the afternoon, Will go forth -by teams and make an Every Member Canvass of the congregation.The personal interest and activity of every member' for the coming year will be solicited in the line of finances, benevolent work, church attendance and loyalty, and in personal evangelism. A feature in connection with the launching of this campaign will be the Congregational Supper in the church parlors one evening during the first week of October. At this supper, for the members and their families, there will be reports from the Every Member Canvass. The Communion will be observed at the morning service, October the 8th. . At the evening service on Sunday, September the 24th, the pastor will preach upon the subject, "The Sunday School as an Evangelizing Force," during which service he will conduct the public installation or the Sunday School officers who were elected at the S. S. Association meeting Thursday evening, September 21.

MWJQ

The East End Aid society of the First Christian church will give a market Saturday at the Conkey drug store. Persons ' who will contribute articles are asked to sened them by 10 o'clock. Mr. and , Mrs., Fred . Rossiter were host and hostess last evening for a meeting of the Bethany Bible class of the Second English Lutheran church. It was decided by the class to furnish an electric fan for the church. Miss Ida 'Bartel made a splendid talk on, "Church Attendance and Obligation to the Sunday, School.',' Delicious refreshments were served by the hostess. In a month Miss Florence Hunemeyer entertains the class at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Dougan in Spring Grove. . :

were used in ornamenting the rooms. Many pretty and useful gifts were received by Miss Hadley. Contests were a feature of the afternoon's entertainment. The guests were Misses Mary Jay, Gertrude . Clark, Mary ButlerRuth Hadley, Pearl Crubaugh, Hatiie Bell, Katherine Kenworthy, Mary Porterfleld, Jessie Hadley, Mesdaes Harvey Wilson, Edward Crawford, Dempsey Dennis, Harry Reeves, Percy Smith, Otto Sprong, Clara Dennis, - Mllo Hinckle, Walter Dalbey, Claude Munson, Alice Buhl, Robert Elliott, Emma Hadley, Earl Hinshaw, J. M. ElIiQtt, Horace Hadley, Albert Chamness, Roy Parshall, David Hodgin, Edgar Mote and Herschel Riggln.

COMPLAINT IS VERBOSE

Claiming that the complaint . contained much information which has no direct bearing on the case at hand and that this might wrongly influence the decision of the Judge, attorneys for the defendant today filed a motion to strike surplusage from the complaint filed a few weeks ago by Ralph Chilcoate vs. Robert E. Shute for collection of $229.89 board bill.

A business meeting of Section 2 of the Ladies and Pastor's Union of Grace M. E. church was- held yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Alfred Stanback, North C street.

Attesting to the' popularity 'of Miss Ruth Hadley, who will be a bride of next week, a pretty miscellaneous shower was given this afternoon by Mrs. C. F. Hutchins, Mrs. Clara Dennis and Mrs. Dempsey Dennis at the Hutchins home, National Road. West. Golden rod, asters and other flowers

FOR TOE BLOOD

At All Drug Stores

EDGERTON PREPARES FOR RELIEF WORK

Because of the increase in the cost of coal since June 1, Trustee Edgerton has released Charles Gibbs from the contract which , he made at that time to furnish the township coal at $1 for each 475 pounds. Since that time, coal has advanced in price about thirty-three per cent. Although times are prosperous,

Trustee Edgerton - is preparing -I meet more demands for poor relief

this winter thari ever before.

"Wages have not increased In proportion to the costs of food, heat and clothing." Mr. Edgerton said today. "It has been possible for people to get along In the warm weather but the family expenses are much higher in the winter than they are In the summer... '

Adelina Patti made her debute in Santiago de Cuba, and hence in the summer of 1859, she made her first appearance In New York, at Castle Garden, and created a furore in America.

PALLADIUM WANT ADS PAY

Get Rid of That Miserable Feeling; There are few diseases that make one feel more miserable than a disorreder, stomach. Mrs. 'A. Wingale, Gorham, N. Y., writes: "I began using Chamberlain's Tablets about five years ago. At' that time I was having a great deal of trouble with my stomach. I suffered great distress dce.fi Indigestion and constipation. -Owning did me much good until Igot Chamberlain's Tablets." Obtainable everywhere. , " Adv.

Makes Your Clothes? There are lots of good made to measure suits and there are lots of ready-made suits but if you want to give them all a fair try-out, you'll find that the suits and overcoats we make right here in our own workshop are the best taking style, quality, workmanship and price into consideration. .

See our big showing of Fall and Winter woolens. Youragflesb & lalsfty

, Merchant Tailors.

11 N. Tenth St.

Ira

Feature

'.Important"

of Every Home

The Musical Education of the Children

Every day we hear the expression:' "I wish I had been given an opportunity to secure a musical education." Everyone loves music. It has a wonderful influence upon the emotions and feelings and it is of great importance that the desire for good music be encouraged and cultivated in every child.

THE STARR PIANO

is the instrument best suited to the home. Its wonderfully resonant tone quality, its simplicity, together with the beauty of finish and design make it by far the most desirable of all pianos. A Starr Piano will cost so little when compared with the hours of pleasure it will afford. School is just beginning and offers excellent musical advantages to which you should add the helpful influence of a piano in the home. Right now is the time to consider the question of having a Starr placed in your home. You Are Always Welcome at Our Salesroom

PHONE 1646

and our representative will call

The Starr

Piano Co.-

Sales Room:

Main and Tenth Sts.

all