The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-08-23
CHAPTER V.
1.-THE MYSTERY OF THE LENS
D0RF HAM

DORF HAM.
How Rudolf Marnac. the venerable
savant, brought about the death of his
rival and critic, Professor Won Stock
mar. of Heidelberg University, l have
already explained. l have, moreover, re-
lated the accident by which my cousin,
Sir Henry Graden, the famous explorer
and scientist, CHANGED 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. l have now 10 tell OF
the pursuit of Marnac. the murderer;
pursuit as strange in its outset as it was
terrible in its conclusion For this, the
first adventure in the chase of this in
human monster, it may be said that l
have chosen a fanciful title Yet 1.-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 in earn
est it was too late; all trace of Professor
narnac had been lost 1t was discov-
cred that he had taken from his rooms
. 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
peaceful student l found myself trans
formed into a secret ally of the police,
an unhappy being whose privacy was
liable to be disturbed at all hours h.
some inquisitiye official Even wors
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
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 lerror OF
the Englishman, and, indeed, refused al
interviews in which he was not adequate
IL protected by his satellites.
On a calm October morning was sit
ting reading by my window, thankful OF
the momentary quiet l enjoyed. when the
door burst open and my cousin come
frolicking into the room. admit the alb
surdity of the expression when applied
to middle-aged giant of sixteen stone
but frolicking describes it. Without O
word of apology he seized my book. q
new edition of Digestive Organs of Mol
luscs." and flung it into the fireplace. II
was too much
Henry Graden," said I. starting ur
Indignantly, you are my cousin. but you
presume on that relationship. These
school-boy antics are insupportable."
Capital. Robert, capitalv' he an
swered. regarding me with a comica
expression Il say. there's stuff in the
boy. You'd like to punch my head,
supposed"
was somewhat ashamed Of my 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 te
DEATH
Good. Then you can have no OBJ
lection to leaving Heidelberg this after
noon"
Leave Heidelberg. Why should
leave Heidelberg?
He strobe over to where / stood an.
laid his great hand on my shoulder Will
a touch that implied an apology.
"A schoolboy you called me just now
That's just what l am, schoolboy le
loose on the playground. The police hav,
rajred their embargo. An address which
vii bring me when they have need O
my evidence-that is all they ask Now
] want a travelling companion-a ma.
/ can trust You can guess my errand
Cousin Robert. Before a week is out
shall have my hand on him, | shall. b,
heaven, You will come with me? Goo,
lad. / knew IL The train leaves at three
III call for you"
But where are we goingfv shouted
running TO the door; for already he wa
down score OF stairs
.St Petersburg. You have a pass
pcrt:"
~Yes-but Cousin Graden, Cousil
Graden. I say"
II was no use. I heard the stree
door slam behind him. st. Petersbur,
and the winter coming on. Eugh,
had always detested cold. But next u
escaping misfortune it is best to posses
a philosophic mind. l commenced 70 pacl
my bag with my warmest underwear.
At thirty-fiye minutes past two Grader
sent up word TO say that he had a cal
waiting my pleasure. and in three min
utes more n1y luggage was upon it. Half
way down the main street we chance,
n IL. <o% .
He glanced at us keenly, with. as
thought. certain suspicion. Grade,
saluted him coidly, muttering maledic
tions upon him for a stupid ass Their
was no great friendship between the two
1 paid the cab while my cousin saw t
the tickets. Five marks provided u
with a subservient guard and an empt
carriage
And what are your plans for til
intolerabIe Petersburg expedition"
asked. as the train thumped its way o.
Of the station.
Eve are not going to st. Petersburg
We are going TO Lemsdorf."
ITO Lemsdorf. / have never heard O
the place
mo more had an hour ago. Allo,
me TO discover it."
He pulled a red-bound Baedeker out O
his pocket and futtered through tn
pages
Here we have it-'Lemsdorf: -four
teen to fifteen hours from Berlin. Risin
town in West Prussia; 1900 inhab
tants. Large dye-works. Prinz vo
Preussen,' 'Goldner Adler'-hotels we
spoken of. Cab from the station, 10 ps
Little of historical interesr. Excursion
to Denker and the Huren, a wild an
desolate district with several large lake,
on the Russian frontier Not altogethe
an inviting prospect at the latter end Q
October. Ell, Cousin RobertY'
II did not imagine we were going ther
for pleasure"
~Pessimist, Do neither the 'Prinz vo
Preussen' nor the 'Goldner Adler we
spoken Of as Baedeker describes thes
obstetrics. attract you? Then the dy'
works. they are sure to be interesting.
Henry Graden." cried 1 with detel
mination, you try me too far. l am a
eager as yourself that this crimins
should be brought to justice. For tn
reason alone / have every right to kno'
the why and wherefore Of an expeditio
which will entail upon me, as see cieal