Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-05-20
FIFTH lNsTALLMENT
CHAPTER XII.
ON THE RACK.

StsSNH s~Ss 49,
For the moment new element had
boon introduced into the horror OF the
little tabieau. All eyes were fixed upon
Guest. who listened to the inspectors
dubious words with supercilious
smile upon his lips.
Perhaps" he suggested, you would
like to ask me few Questions2"
perhaps may feel II my duty to
do 90" the inspector replied gravely.
I'm the flrst place, then. Mr.. Guest.
will you kindly explain the condition
OF your clothesf''
Quest shrugged his, shoulders.
Here you are. them" he replied.
This morning decided to make an
attempt to clear up the mystery of
Macdougal's Disappearance / sent on
my secretary. Miss Laura. to make
friends with the section boss, and
Ienora and went out by automobile
4 little later. We instituted q search
on q new principle. and before very
long we found Macdougals body.
That's one up against you, think. In
spector."
Very likely" the inspector OBJ
served. go on. please"
Il left the two young ladies'. at Miss
Lenora's wish. TO superintend tho 70.
naoval Of the body. | myself had an
engagement to deliver over her Jew.
els TO Mrs Rhcinholdt here at mid
day. returned to where my automo-
bile was waiting. started for the city
and was attacked by two thugs near
the section house. got away from
them. ran to tho tower house to try
and stop the freight, was followed by
tho thugs. and jumped out on to the
last car from the signal arm"
Where Ii your automobile?"
No idea." Quest replied. Il left It
IN the road. When jumped from the
freight car took a taxicab to the pro.
fessor'a and called for him. as ar.
ranged"
The Inspector nodded.
Il shall have to ask you to excuse
me for moment" he said. "while
ring up number ten signal tower. II
Mr.. Quests story receives corrobora-
ton the matter Is at an end"
The inspector left the room almost
Immediately.
When he returned he was looking
Eraver than ever.
Quest" he announced. your alibi
II useless--in fact, little worse than
useless. The operator at number ten
has been found murdered at the back
of the tower,"
Quest started
Il ought not to have left him to
those thugs" he murmured regret.
fully.
There Ia no automobile of yours in
the vicinity" the inspector continued.
nor any news OF Il. think It viii be
a well now. Quest. for this matter to
take Its obvious course. win you.
frst Of all. hand over her jewels to
Mrs. Rheinholdt7"
Quest drew the keys of the safe
from his pocket. crossed the room aud
swung open the safe door. For mo.
ment afterwards he stood transtixed.
His arm, half outstretched. remained
motionless, Then he turned slowly
around.
Tho jewels have been stolen" he
announced with unnatural calm,
The inspector laid his hand heavily
upon Quests shoulder.
You viii kindly consider yourself
under arrest. Quest. Ladies' and gen.
tiemen. will you clear the room now,
II YOU please. The ambulance l tele-
phoned for Ia outside"
The professor. who had been look
ang ~ though dased, suddenly inter-
v0ned.
Mr.. French" he said earnestly. II
am convinced that you are making .
great mistake. In arresting and tax.
ing away Mr.. Quest you are removing
from 10 tho one man who IL likely to
10 able to clear up this mystery"
The inspector pushed him gently
70 one side.
you will excuse me. professor" he
1Aid. "but this Ia no matter for argu.
nnsnt II Mr.. Guest can clear himself.
40 one will be more glad than l."
Guest shrugged his shoulders.
The inspector win have his little
joke." no observed dryly. IT'S oil
right, girls. Keep cool" he went on.
~ hs saw the tsDrs In Lenora's eyes.