claw searchers

The curious eye of a Martian appeared at the window-slit, and a menacing claw explored the room. I dragged the parson down to the coal cellar. I heard the Martian fumbling at the latch. In the darkness I could see the claw touching things, walls, coal, wood - and then it touch my boot! I almost shouted! For a time it was still and then, with a click, it gripped something. The parson! With slow, deliberate movements, his unconscious body was dragged away... and there was nothing I could do to prevent it...

The Red Weed (Part 2)