Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-12-03
CHAPTER XVI.
The Professors Secret.

lace toward the ClamDe CareluI-H
closed the door. Then he nodded as if
satisfied of something, a, d slowly de-
scended the stairs. His clothes were
wringing wet, one of his hands WAS
bleeding, and there We're scratches
and bruises on his cheeks.
is there q fire anywhere in the
house, DOCTOR he asked with a snlyer,
the Miniski is confoundedly cold TO-
night"
He spoke in whisper, and the doctor
answered in the same way;
Come TO the Kitchen
Profoundly mystited and awed with
a sense that the shadows We're about
TO be cleared from FairVlew, the doctor
led the way TO the kitchen, where Phil
brick promptly made for the stove
You must have dry clothing" said
the doctor, impatient though he was to
ask questions. Il brought an old suit
with me when last | came from my
own house"
Don't get them, DOCTOR" interrupted
Philbrick, but if you've a mind to, 60
outside and find bundle of my clothes
under the piazza near the steps. knew
l sould need them and 50 came pre-
pared"
He chuckled in his familiar. self
satisfied way as he observed the doc.
tors surprise.
My bath wasn't involuntary this
time-nor the other, either" he add
ed
DR.. Williams went out of doors,
found Phlbrick's bundle of clothing,
and took it in. Philbrck was half dis
robed when he returned and his light
ness of manner seemed to disappear
with his dripping garments. The doc
tor found towels for him in the kitchen
press and stood aside until he was re-
habilitated. AS men sometimes con-
feSs themselves too full for utterance,
so the doctor was too greatly curious
to ask questions. He waited for Phil
brick to offer an explanation.
Well DOCTOR" he said at last. Il
understand your gestures to mean that
you wanted me to call Here | am.
What can | do for you?"
You have apparently done wh&t
wanted" responded the doctor Il
wanted that chamber opened. | could
not force the door without noise that
would alarm Miss Willis. | wanted
to get word to the authorities so that
a search warrant might issue, l sent
the women, Mrs. Hubbard and Mrs.
Appleton, to the village with note to
Justice Taylor about the matter I've
been expecting an answer for a long
time"
Your note wasn't delivered" said
PhilDrick, quietly. II have it in my
wet clothes somewhere
You intercepted the women, then"
exclaimed the doctor, in great dis
pleasure
Il did and of course l am prepared
to offer every apology and explanation,
| will say right at the start that
don't think you ever would have found
what became of the professor if you
had forced the door. 1t was in my be-
lief that | knew his secret that | ven
tured to upset your plans"
Oll CillOSdlC Il SOOd uCSll vi lNopcll-
sibility,' returned the doctor, but if
you have any light to shed upon this
matter, and your own connection with
it, | shall not be disposed to quarrel.
You are as much past my understand
ing as the professor himself. How did
you enter the house? Did you find
Professor Drummond?"
The doctors curiosity was gaining
expression, and Phibrick smiled
slightly as he recognized the fact
No, to your last question" he re-
piled. Il am disappointed man.
The professor has followed Stark
weather"
Great heavens" cried the DOCTOR
the last words | heard him say were
90 the effect that he would follow Stark
weather.
II deed Well, suppose we go up to
.he chamber, and III show you how
he did it. The professor. as We are in
the habit of calling him, was wonder
full mechanic, you know"
There's plenty of evidence Of that
about the house
Yes and one of his masterpieces
though not. TO my mind, his crowning
work, was this contrlvance for disap-
peGing. | don't think you will care
TO explain II to Miss Drummond. So
let us go quietly, and not & ract atten-
ion"
They were passing through the din
ing room as he spoke. On tip-toe they
went up the stairs and entered the lit
tie chamber
There isn't light enough here"
whispered Philbrick Bring lamp
or. better, lantern. and some rope
The doctor speedily found the de-
sired articles, and returned to the
chamber with them. Philbrick was
sitting in a chair. near the door.
Il think it's safe enough, he said;
but l wouldn't 90 to bed just yet
doctor
Raising the lantern. the doctor saw
II at the bed had much the same ap-