Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-02-05

the RiTShip Was Not There.
Immediately, but with a light in his
small grey eye which Mr.. Gryce would
have understood and revealed in. The
idea for which he had searched in
dustrioUsly for months had come at
last, unbidden; thrown up from some
remote, recess of the mind which had
seemingly closed upon the subject
forever.
Il have it. / have it," he murmured
in ceaseless reiteration to himself. 81
will 90 back to MIR Challoner and let
him decide if the idea is worth pur-
suing. Perhaps an experiment may
be necessary. 1t was bitter cold that
night; l wish it were icy weather
now. But a chemist can help us out.
Good God, if this should be the ex-
PLANTATION of the mystery, alas for Or
lando and alas for Oswald"
But his sympathies did not deter
him. He returned to Derby at once,
and as soon as he dared, presented
himself at the hotel and asked for
Mr.. Challoner.
He was amazed to find that gentle
man already up and in a state of
agitation that was very disquieting
But he frightened wonderfully at
sight Of his visitor. and drawing him
inside the room. observed with trem-
bling eagerness:
II do not know why you have come
back, but never was man more vel
come, MIR. Brotherson has con
fessed-"
Confessed"
Yes, he killed both women; my
daughter and his neighbor. the wash
erwOman. with a"
Wait" broke in Sweetwater, eager
", Diet me tell YOU" And STOPPING.
he whispered something in the others
ear
Nj Challoner stared at him amaz-
ed. then slowly nodded his head.
How came you to think" he be
gan; but Sweetwater in his great anx-
iety interrupted him with a quick:
Explanations will keep, Mt. Chal-
Toner What Of the man himself?
Where is he? That's the important
thing now"
He was in his room till early this
morning writing letters, but he is not
there now. The door is unlocked and
! went in. From appearances l fear
the worst That is why your pres
ence relieves me so. Where do you
think he is?"
In his hangar in the woods. Where
else would be go to"
y have thought of that. Shall we
start out alone or take witnesses with
u.s."
We viii go alone. Does Oswald
anticipate"
He is sure. But he lacks strength
to move. lie lies on my bed in there.
Doris and her father are with him"
We viii not wait a minute. How
the storm holds OF. I hope it will
hold of for another hour"
Mr Challoner made no reply. He
, had spoken because he felt compelled
TO speak, but it had not been easy
for him, nor could any trifles move
him now.
The town was UP by this time and
though they chose the least frequent
ed streets. they had to suffer from
some encounters. 1t was a good half
hour before they found themselves in
the forest and in sight of the hangar.
One look that way. and Sweetwater
turned 70 see what the effect was upon
Mr. Challoner.
A murmur Of dismay greeted him
The oval OF the great lid stood up
against the forest background
He has escaped" cried Mr.. Chal-
loner.
But sveetwater. laying a finger on
HIS lip, advanced and laid MS ear
against the door Then he cast 4
quick look alOit Nothing was TO be
seen there. The darkness Of storm In
the heavens but nothing more.-Yes,
now, fash of vivid and destructive
lightning.
The two men drew back and their
glances crossed.
Let US return to the highroad."
whispered Sweetwater; we can see
nothing here"
Mr.. Chaloner, trembling very much,
Z wheeled slowly about
Wait" enjoined Sweetwater. First