Mechanic Arts High School - Artisan Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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THE ARTISAN 17 happily, her father was killed by the fanatics, and since then 1 have counted it my proud duty to care for l1er. It has not been an easy task, for since that time both she and L l1ave been men- aced by tl1e vengeance of the band. There are five of them left, and they have pulsued us mercilessly through the years, de- clared Lane. Sometimes we have managed to avoid them for long periodsg but sooner or later they get onto our trail, and we have been compelled to find a new hiding place. We have been' nearly twice around the world in our attempts to elude tl1e1n. And then at last I invented this house, and now I believe we are safe? But how ? demanded Ted. Surely at any time these men might strike? No, Their strange beliefs compel them to strike at an enemy only between midnight and dawn, was the answer. At no other time may they act, and that is why this house vanishes at midnight and reappears only with tl1e dawn. During the time it is underground tl1e necessary air is provided by a special device- Uncle! cried Helen, in a sudden alarm as she looked at the electric clock on the shelf. It is after midnight! John Lane paled and leaped across the room to where a powerful dynamo stood. He pressed the switch, and the dynamo hummed and sputtered into instant life. Then, moving to 21 short, steel lever, he tugged on it. Nothing happened. The sci- entist tried it again and again, until tl1e perspiration streamed down his lined face, and still nothing happened. Great heavens ! he gasped. 'tlt has jammed! The house YV0l1,t descend! C R A S H ! ! ! His words were mocked by a terrific explosion which de- molished part of the door and walls. Helen drew back against a wall of the room with a cry of terror, and Lane clutched at his throat. Ted remained motionless, tense as a watching lion. There came a soft padding of footsteps, the door of the room burst open, and five brown-skinned Hindus entered. The pres- e11ce of Ted in the room came as a surprise to them, but only for a moment. A man who was evidently the leader stepped in front of his companions and held aloft a repulsive, curved ma- cbete. The leader eyed John Lane and Helen with eyes that It

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lii THE ARTISAN ing towards him. My electric alarms Zllld traps are set to catch thieves and murderers, and not to catch policemen. You and your convict friend have receive.d a large voltage, for you have been unconscous more than sixteen hourslw Sixteen hours! gasped Ted, rising to his feet and catching a glimpse of Blinky, who lay upon a nearby couch. I must re- port to my station at once. Ii He paused as he reniembered all the circumstances which led to his arrival at this vanishing house on the marsh. Is your name Lane? he. blurted out suddenly. John Lane, acknowledged the man. This is my adopted niece, Helen Campbell. Then I have to warn you that five men, believed to be Hindus or Burmese, have planned to visit you and-er-do you some serious injuryfi Lane nodded his head and the girl trembled. 'Sl know that, Trooper, and that is why I am living here in this strange house,', he said. lt is my protection from those who have threatened to kill me. I designed the house and had it constructed under 1ny orders. So that it can disappear into tl1e ground when danger threatens? suggested Ted. So it may disappear every night between midnight and dawn, was the answer. And at no other time? t'There is no need,'t said Lane. Listen, Trooper! You have been good enough to interest yourself in my behalf, and l think that you are entitled to hear the whole of a very strange story. S-hall I go on? Please do, answered Ted eagerly. 'tFifteen years ago. out in the wildest part of Burmah, this young lady, who is the daughter of my oldest and best friend, was kidnapped by a small party of fanaticsj' began Lane. It was their intention to cast her into some sacred pool as a sacri- lice to their heathen god. Helen Campbell shivered, and he.r.face grew pale as Lane's words reminded her of the frightening past. My friend and I went in search of her, and we wrested her away from these fanatics, went on Lane, modestly omitting the details of what had obviously been a perilous expedition. Un-

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18 THE ARTISAN burned with hate. The men advanced tllld the scientist and the girl retreated in terror of the fate that seen1e.d to be near at hand. ' Ted suddenly pieked up a chair and hurled it at the leader. The man was swept off his feet, and as his colleagues attempted to grasp him, they stumbled against the dynamo. There fol- lowed instantly a great, blue flame, and John Lane rushed to switch off the power. But he was too late to save the intruders. Doom, swift and sudden, had overtaken them, and their trail of vengeance was at an end! John Lane turned away trembling and drew his hand over his forehead. This house need never again vanish, Trooper, he said weakly. Our fears are ended, and I thank you from my heart for freeing my Helen from the terrors which have haunted her for so long W And I'm sorry I didn't wake up a bit earlier, came the weak voice of Blinky Jones. There's nothing left for me to do but to let myself be taken back to prison. Trooper, I'1l go quietly Z Righto, Blinkyf' smiled Ted. l'll take you, but I d0n't suppose. you'll be bark for long. I'l1 do my best to put in a good word for you. and when you come out, come to me and I'11 see if T can't help you make a fresh start l There's no need for that,', said John Lane. HI need a reliable man, and you can have the job, Jones, just as Soon as you have finished your-er-present term of service with the 2QOVt'l'lllll0llf l . - . . . . . . . When Iilinky Jones left prison a, few months late1', he was not at all surprised to lind that Helen Campbell and Sergeant Ted Nvt'Hl'0ll had become real close friends! THE END Applicant: Pm here to see about the job you advertised. Boss: I see. Do you think you can do the work ? Applicant: Work? 1 thought you wanted a foreman.