The Kennewick courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1905-1914, 1906-10-19
CHAPTER v.
1.-THE MYSTERY OF THE LENS

How Rudolf Marnac, the venerable
savant, brought about tho death Of his
eival 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
arst adventure in the chase Of this In
human monster, it may be said that l
have chosen a fanciful title. Yet "The
Mystery of the Lemsdorf Ham" Is too
appropriate to be neglected for that rea-
bon.
At the first the Heidelberg police met
our theory of Won Stockmar's death with
hcredulity. 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 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
q peaceful student I 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 intimates of Sir
Henry Graden will understand that l
suffered at his hands. In the capture of
the murderer-as we knew Marnac to be
he took a 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
~ protected by his satellites.
On a calm October morning I was sit
ting reading by my window, thankful of
the momentary quiet 1 enjoyed. when the
door burst open and my cousin come
frolicking into the room. admit the alb
surdity of the expression when applied
to 4 middle-aged giant Of sixteen stone;
but frolicking 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 1, starting up
Indignantly, you are nay cousin, but you
presume on that relationship. These
school-boy antics are insupportable"
Capital, Robert! capital"' he an
swered, regarding me with. 4 comical
expression. II say! there's stuff in the
boy! You'd like to punch my head, l
supposer
was somewhat ashamed Of my out
burst, and picked up the book. which
was greatly damaged, before I replied.
ITS all very well, Cousin Grader, u
I said. sulkily enough. but between
you and the police. am worried to
DEATH"
"Good! Then you can have no Oh,
lection to leaving Heidelberg this after:
noon"
leave Heidelberg! Why should !
leave Heidelbergw
he strobe over to where I stood and
laid his great hand on my shoulder with
q touch that implied an apology.
"A schoolboy you called me just now
That's just what am, schoolboy lie,
loose on the playground. Tho police have
raised their embargo. An address which
will bring me when they have need OF
my svidence-that IL all they ask. Now
! want 4 travelling companion-a mar
I can trust. You can guess my errand
Cousin Robert. Before 4 week is out
shall have my hand on him. shall, BY
heaven! You will come with me? Coco
lad, I knew it. The train leaves at three
III call for you"
But where are We goingT' shouted
running to the door; for already he wa
down 4 score Of stairs.
est. Petersburg. You have q pass
portT'
"Yes-but Cousin Graden. Cousi,
Graden. l say"
It was no use. heard the stree
door slam behind him. ST. Petersbur,
and the winter coming on. Eush!
had always detested cold. But next L
escaping misfortune It is best to posses
q philosophic mind. commenced to pacl
my bag with my warmest underwear.
At thirty five minutes past two Grade,
sent up word to say that he had a cal
waiting my pleasure, and In three min
utes more my luggage was upon it. Hall
way down the maiA street We chance
upon Mossel the fat lieutenant Of police
He glanced at Us keenly, with, as
thought, q certain suspicion. Grade
saluted him coldly, muttering maledi,
lions upon him for a stupid ass. Their
was no great friendship between the tw,
I paid the cab while my cousin saw
the tickets. Five marks provided U
with 4 subservient guard and an empt
carriage.
"And what are your plans for TIL
intolerable Petersburg expeditionY
asked, as the train thumped its way o,
of the station.
1--WE are not going to st. Petersbur,
We are going to Lemsdorf''
ITO Lemsdorf! l have never heard {
the place"
mo more had l an hour ago. Allo
me to discover il"
He pulled a red-bound Baedeker out
his pocket and futtered through tt
pages.
"Here we have it-'Lemsdorf: fou
ce4oa, hours from, par1ir p;S;,