Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1906-10-19
CHAPTER V.
1.-THE MYSTERY OF THE LENS
nnnn rVArF

How Rudolf Marnac, the venerable
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, CHANGED to be visiting me,
q 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. l have now to tell of
the pursuit of Marnac the murderer; a
pursuit as strange in its outset as it was
terrible in its conclusion. For this, the
hrst adventure in the chase of this in
human monster, it may be said that
have chosen fanciful title. Yet 1.-THE
Mystery of the Lemsdorf Ham" is too
appropriate to be neglected for that rea-
bon.
At the first the Heidelberg police met
Dur theory Of Won Stockmar's death with
ncredulity. When they moved in earn
est It was too late; all trace of Professor
Marnac had been lost. 1t was discov-
cred that he had taken from his rooms
q small travelling valise and a consid-
cradle sum in ready money; but beyond
these facts nothing was known; even his
manner Of leaving Heidelberg was a
mystery.
For myself, the weeks that followed
were In every respect intolerable. From
q peaceful student / found myself trans
formed into a 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 intimates Of Sir
Henry Graden will understand that
suffered at his hands. In the capture of
the murderer--as we knew Marnac to be
The 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
u protected by his satellites.
On calm October morning l was sit
ting reading by my window, thankful of
the momentary quiet enjoyed, when the
door burst open and my cousin come
trolicking Into the room. l admit the abb
surdity of the expression when applied
to q middle-aged giant Of sixteen stone;
but frolicking describes 1t. Without
word of apology he seized my book,
new edition of Digestive Organs of Mol
luscs," and flung 1t into the fireplace. 1t
was too much.
Henry Graden," said 1, starting up
Indignantly, you are nay cousin, but you
presume on that relationship. These
Bchool-boy antics are insupportable."
Capital, Robertl capitalw he an
Swered, regarding me with a comical
expression. II say there's stuff in the
boyl You'd like to punch my head, 1
supposeT
was somewhat ashamed Of my out
burst, and picked up the book, which
was greatly damaged, before replfed
TITS all very WELL Cousin Graden,"
said, sulkily enough. "But between
you and the police, am worried to
death"
"Goodl Then you can have no OBJ
lection to leaving Heidelberg this after:
nooA."
leave Heidelberg Why should l
leave HeidelbergT
He strobe over to where I stood and
laid his great hand on my shoulder with
a touch that implied an apology.
"a schOolboy you called me just now.
That's just what l am, a schoolboy let
loose on the playground. The police have
raised their embargo. An address which
viii bring me when they have need of
my evidence-thRt Is all they ask. Now,
want a travelling companion--a man
I can trust. You can guess my errand.
Cousin Robert, Before a week is out |
shall have my hand on him, shall. by
heavsnl You will come with me? Good
lad, knew It. The train leaves at three.
TIL call for you"
"But where are We goingP" I shouted.
running to the door; for already he was
down a score of stairs.
"st. Petersburg. You have a pass
portf'
'Yes-but Cousin Graden, Cousin
Graden, Say"
It was no use. l heard the street
door slam behind him. st. Petersburg
and the winter coming on. Eugh! /
had always detested cold. But next 70
escaping misfortune It is best to possess
q philosophic mind. commenced to pack
my bag with my wArmest underwear.
At thirty-fiVe minutes past two Graden
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 CHANGED
upon Mosssl, the fat lieutenant Of police.
He glanced at Us keenly, with, as l
thought, q certain suspicion. Graden
saluted him eOldly, muttering maledlc-
tiOns upon him for a stupid ass. There
was no great friendship between the two,
/ paid the cab while my cousin saw to
the tickets. Five marks provided US
with a subSsrvient guard and an empty
carriage.
"And what are your plans for this
lntolerable Petersburg sxpeditionT" /
asked, as the train thumped its way out
Of the station.
1--WE are not going to st. Petersburg.
We are going to Lemsdorf."
ITO Lemsdorfl have never heard of
the place"
mo more had / an hour ago. Allow
me to discover It."
He pulled a red-bound Baedeker out of
his pocket and futtered through the
pages.
Here we have it-'Lemsdorf: four
teen to fifteen hours from Berlin. Rising
4c44-, Ia VT Urugefas 10 0O0 f,k.ks