The Washington times., 1915-04-04


~ ish somewhat affected by the
measure OF his perpleXities.
early though it was, Lenora was al
ready in her place. bending over her
desk, and Laura, who had just arrived,
was busy divesting herself of her coat
and hat. Quest watched the latter inn
patiently.
WELL" he asked.
Laura came forward. Strengthening
her hair with her hands
mo. CO." she answered. Il spent the
evening in the club and l talked with
two men who knew Craig, but l couldnt
get on to anything. From all | could
hear of the men, respectability Is his
middle name"
That's the professors cEn idea,
Quest remarked grimly. Il merely ven
tured to drop a hint that Craig might
not be quite so immaculate as he
seemed, and l never saw man so
Mortified in my life. He assured me
that Craig was seldom out Of his sight,
that he hadn't a friend in the world
nor a single vicious taste
|'we're fairly up against it. boss,
Laura sighed. THE best thing we can
do Is to get on to another 'ob. The
Rheinholdt woman has got her jewels
back, or will have at noon today.
bet she won't worry about the thiet.
Then the professor moldly old sk<le-
ton was returned to him, even II it
was burnt afterwards. 1 should take
on something fresh.
Cant be DONE" Quest replied short
". Look here, girls, your average
intellects are often apt to hit upon
the truth, when a man who sees too 1ar
ahead goes wrong. Rule Craig out.
Any other possible person occur to you?
Speak out. Lenora. You've something
on your mind l can see.
The girl swung around in her chair
There was a vague look Of trouble upon
her face.
I'm afraid you'n laugh at me- she
began tentatively.
Wont hurt you IL ! do, Quest re-
piled.
Il can't help thinking of Macdougal.
Lenora continued falteringly. "He has
never been recaptured. l don't know
whether he's dead or alive. He had
perfect passion for jewels. If he Is aliVe,
he would be desperate and would at
tempt anything.
Quest smoked IN silence for "A mo-
ment. A.. ,,,a,s
suuelcncs the Macdougal theory ne re-
marked "He wouldn't be likely 10 part
with the stuff "nen he u once sot ms
hands on it. How ever, | always meant
when we had moments spare time,
10 look into that tcllow's whereabouts.
Wen IKE it on straight away. can't
do any harm
II know the section boss on the rail
way at the spot where he disappeared
Laura announced.
''Then Just take the train down to
Mountways-that' the nearest spot
and get busy with him." Quest directed.
Try ED persuade him to loan us the
gangs handcar to so down the line.
Lenora and l will come on in the auto
"Take you longer" Lcnora remarked.
as she moved off to put on her JACKET.
THE cars do it in quarte' of an
Cant help that" Quest replied.
Mrs. Rheinholdts coming here to
identify her jewels at L o'clock. and
can't run any risk of there beng no
good with the section boss. Take plenty
of bills with YOU"
Sure. That's easy enough" Laura
promised him. III be waiting for
YOU"
his own preparations. From his safe
he took one of the small black Jumps
of explosive to which he had DnC" he
fore owed his life. and titted 1t carefully
in q small case with a coli of wire and
an electric lighter He looked at his
revolver and recharged IL. FINALLY he
rang the bell for his confidential valet.
Ross" he asked, "who is there else
here today besides .you?"
mo one today. sir"
Just as well, perhaps" Quest OBJ
served. Listen. Ross. | am going out
now for an hour or two, bnt | shall
he back at midday. Remember that.
Mrs. Rheinholdt and lnspector French
are TO he hero at 12 O'Clock. If by any
chance | should be few moments late,
ask them 10 wait. And, Ross. ii younS
woman from the Salvation Army will
cali too. You can give her this checH."
Ross Brown, who was quests secrc-
tary-valet and general factotum ac-
cepted the slip Of paper and placed II
in en- envelope.
"The1 are no .thcr instructions, sir?'
he inquired: -,,., ..vo,,u ,oo,,
out for the wireless, and you had bet
ter switch the through cable and tele'
.rach Communication on to headquar-
ters Come along, Lenora."
They left the house, entered the
waiting automobile, and drove rapid.
ly towards the confines of the city
Quest was unusually thoughtful
Lenora, on the other hand. seemed tc
have lost a great deal of her usua
self -composure. She seldom sat still
FOR more than moment or two to,
Eether. She was obviously nervous
and excited.
quest asked her once. you seem Al
fidgets."
She glanced at him apOlogetically
'J can't help it," she confessed. I'll
-eN know OF the many sleepless nights