Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1906-10-19
CHAPTER V.
1.-THE MYSTERY OF THE LENS
nnDIr HAM


mar, of Heidelberg University, l have
already explained. l have, moreover, re-
lated the accident by which my cousin,
Sir Henry Graden, tho famous explorer
and scientist, CHANGED to be visiting me,
student of medicine at the German uni |
versity; and l 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 Marnsc, the murderer; a
pursuit as strange in its outset as 1t was
terrible in its conclusion. For this, the
FIRST adventure in the chase of this in
human monster, 1t 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
Marnac had been lost. 1t was discov-
cred that he had taken from his rooms
a 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
Termed 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 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 Hedel-
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 a cain October morning 1 was sit
ting reading by my window, thankful of
the momentary quiet 1 enjoyed, when the
door burst open and my cousin come
frolcSing into the room. l admit the abb
surdity of the expression when applied
to a middeaged giant of sixteen stone;
but frolicking describes it. Without
word of apology he seized my book.
new edition of digestive Organs of Mol
luscs," and fang it into the fireplace. 1t
was too much.
"Henry Graden," said I. starting up
Indignantly, 'you are my cousin, but you
presume on that relationship. These
school-boy antics are insupportable."
Capital, Robertl capital" he an
swered, regarding rae with a comical
expression. 81 say there's stuff in the
boy! You'd like to punch my head,
suppose"
81,
burst and picked up the book, which
was greatly damaged. before l replied.
TITS all very well, Cousin Graden,"
I said sullxily enough. But between
you and the police, 1 am worried to
death"
Good Then you can have no OBJ
lection to leaving Heidelberg this after
noen."
"Leave Heidelberg Why should I
leave Heidelberg?
He strobe over to where / 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 | am, a schoolboy let
loose on the playground. The police have
raised their embargo. An address which
will bring me when they have need of
my evidence-thnt is all they ask. Now.
Il
l can trust. You can guess my errand.
Cousin Robert. Before week is out |
shall have my hand on him. 1 shall. by
heavenl You will come with mel Good
lad / knew It. The train leaves at three
Ill call for you"
"But where are we goingf' 1 shouted,
running to the door; for already he was
down a score Of stairs.
est. Petersburg You have a pass
portT'
''Yss-but Cousi. Grsden, Cousin
Grader, l Say"
1t was no uso 1 heard the street
door slam behind him. st. Petersburg
and the winter coming on. Eughl i
had always detested cold. But next Ia
escaping misfortune It Is best to possess
philosophie mind l commenced to PACK
my bag with my wsrmest underwear.
At thirty-fve minutes past two Grsden
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 ehanced
upon Mossel, the fat lieutenant of police.
lie glanced at Us keenly. with, as
thought, a certain suspicion. Graden
ssluted him coldly, muttering maledic-
tions upon him for a stupid ass. rhere
was no great friendship between the two.
! paid the cab while my cousin saw to
the tickets. Five marks provided us
with a subservient guard and an empty
carriage.
'And what are your plans for this
intolerable Petersburg expedition /
asked, as the trSSa thumped It's way out
Of the station