"I'm going to tell Miss Dodge," cried Marie, genuinely frightened.
A moment later she burst into Elaine's room.
"What is the matter, Marie?" asked Elaine, laying down her book. "You look as if you had seen a ghost."
"Ah, but, mademoiselle—it ees just like that. The safe—if mademoiselle will come downstairs, I will show it you."
Puzzled but interested, Elaine followed her. In the library Jennings pointed mutely at the new safe. Elaine approached it. As they stood about new beads of perspiration, as it were, formed on it. Elaine touched it, and also quickly withdrew her hand.
"I can't imagine what's the matter," she said. "But—well—Jennings, you may go—and Marie, also."
When the servants had gone she still regarded the safe with the same wondering look, then turning out the light, she followed.
She had scarcely disappeared when, from the portiered doorway nearby, the Clutching Hand appeared, and, after gazing out at them, took a quick look at the safe.
"Good!" he muttered.
Noiselessly Michael of the sinister face moved in and took a position in the center of the room, as if on guard, while Clutching Hand sat before the safe watching it intently.