THE EXPLOITS OF ELAINE (& Its Sequel The Romance of Elaine). Arthur B. Reeve

regained his hold.

      With a sickening thud, the body of the crook landed on the ground around the corner of the church from me.

      “Come—you!” I ground out, covering my own crook with the pistol, “and if you attempt a getaway, I’ll kill you, too!”

      He followed, trembling, unnerved.

      We bent over the man. It seemed that every bone in his body must be broken. He groaned, and before I could even attempt anything for him, he was dead.

      As Kennedy let himself slowly and painfully down the lightning rod, Elaine seized him and, with all her strength, pulled him in through the window.

      He was quite weak now from loss of blood.

      “Are you—all right?” she gasped, as they reached the foot of the ladder in the belfry.

      Craig looked down at his torn and soiled clothes. Then, in spite of the smarting pain of his wounds, he smiled, “Yes—all right!” “Thank heaven!” she murmured fervently, trying to staunch the flow of blood.

      Craig gazed at her eagerly. The great look of relief in her face seemed to take away all the pain from his own face. In its place came a look of wonder—and hope.

      He could not resist.

      “This time—it was you—saved me!” he cried, “Elaine!”

      Involuntarily his arms sought hers—and he held her a moment, looking deep into her wonderful eyes.