Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1906-10-05
CHAPTER V.
1.-THE MYSTERY OF THE LENS
DORE HAM

savant, brought about the death of his
rival and critic, Professor Won Stock
mar. of Heidelberg University | have
already explained. have, moreover, re-
lated the accident by which my cousin,
Sir Henry Graden, the famous explorer
and scientist chanced to be visiting me-
a student of medicine at the German uni
versity; and have endeavored to outline
the steps by which the baronet arrived
at the discovery of the crime that had
been committed. | have now to tell of
the pursuit of Marnac, the murderer;
pursuit as strange in its outset as it was
b. terrible in its conclusion. For this, the
first adventure in the chase of this in
human monster, it may be said that
have chosen a fanciful title Yet "The
Mystery of the Lemsdorf Ham" Is too
appropriate to be neglected for that rea-
son.
At the first the Heidelberg police met
our theory of Won Stockmar's death with
incredulity When they moved i'm earn
est it was too late; all trace of Professor
Marnac had been lost. 1t was dscOv-
cred that he had taken from his rooms
small travelling valise and consid-
these facts nothing was known even his
manner of leaving Heidelberg was a
mystery.
For myself the weeks that followed
were in every respect intoerable. From
peaceful student | found myself trans
formed into secret ally of the police,
an unhappy being whose privacy was
liable to be disturbed at all hours by
some inquisitive official. Even worse,
the authorities had detained my cousin,
and those who are intmates of Sir
Henry Graden will understand that
suffered at his hands. In the capture of
the murderer-as we knew Marnac to be
he took passionate interest. He was
forever in my rooms, denouncing the
authorities for their delay, advancing
theories, or cursing his own inaction.
The lieutenant in charge of the Heidel-
berg police went in absolute terror of
the Englishman, and, indeed, refused all
interviews in which he was not adequate
ly protected by his satellites.
On calm October morning | was sit
ting reading by my window, thankful of
the momentary quiet | enjoyed, when the
door burst open and my cousin come
frolicklng into the room. | admit the alb
surdity of the expression when applied
to middle-aged giant of sixteen stone;
but frolcking describes it. Without a
word of apology he seized my book, a
new edition of digestive Organs of Mol
luscs." and flung it into the fireplace. 1t
was too much.
Henry Graden," said l, starting up
Indignantly, you are my cousin, but you
presume on that relationship. These
school-boy antics are insupportable.
Capital, Robert! capital" he an
swered, regarding me with comical
expression. II say there's stuff In the
boy! You'd like to punch my head, l
suppose"
/ was somewhat ashamed of nv out
burst, and picked up the book, which
was greatly damaged, before | replied.
Its all very well, Cousin Graden,"
' said, sulkily enough. But between
you and the police, am worried to
death"
Good! Then you can have no OBJ
lection to leaving Heidelberg this after
noon"
Leave Heidelberg! Why should l
leave Heidelberg"
lie strobe over to where | stood and
laid his great hand on my shoulder with
touch that implied an apology
"A schoolboy you called me Just now.
That's just what | am, schoolboy LET
loose on the playground. The police have
raised their embargo. An address which
will bring me when they have need of
pVilnnpn-that 10 al thau
i want a travelling companion-o man
can trust. You can guess my errand,
Cousin Robert. Before a week is out |
shall have my hand on him, shall by
heaven! You will come with me? Good
lad, knew it. The train leaves at three.
III call for you"
"But where are We going?" shouted.
running to the door, for already he was
down a score of stairs.
''St Petersburg You have a pass
port?"
"Yes-but Cousin Graden, Cousin
Graden, | say"
1t was no use. | heard the street
door slam behind him. st. Petersburo
and the winter coming on. Eugh,
had always detested cold. But next 10
escaping misfortune 1t is best to possess
philosophic mind. l commenced to pacl;
my bag with my warmest underwear.
AT thirty-fve minutes past two Gradeu
sent up word to say that he had a cab
waiting my pleasure, and in three min.
utes more my luggage was upon it. Half
way down the main street we chanced
upon Mossel, the fat lieutenant of police
lie glanced at us keenly, with, as
thought, certain suspicion. Grader
saluted him codly, muttering maledic
tions upon him for a stupid ass. Their,
was no great friendship between the two
paid the cab while my cousin saw t.
the tickets. Five marks provided IL,
with a subservient guard and an empt,
carriage.
"And what are your plans for thi,
tntolerable Petersburg expedition2"
asked, as the train thumped its way ou
Of the station.