Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-04-29

"stoisn!" Mrs. Rhelnholdt shrisksd.
had admitted Craig. take Professor
Ashleigh's servant into the kitchen
and see that he has something before
he leaves for home. Now. professor.
Il you viii como this way"
They reached = little room In the
far corner Of the house. Mrs.. Rhein-
holdt apologixed - she switched on
the electric lights.
1T Is queer little place to bring
you to- she said, "but my husband
used to spend many hours here. and
he would never allow anything to be
moved. You see. the specimens are In
these cases"
Tho professor nodded. His general
attitude toward the forthcoming ex-
hibition was merely one Of politeness.
Az the first case opened. however. his
manner completely changed. Without
taking the slightest further notice OF
hia hostess, he adjusted pair Of horn
trimmed spectacles and commenced to
humble eagerly to himself. Mrs.
Rheinholdt, who did not understand q
word, stroiled around the apartment,
yawned and finally interrupted q little
stream OF eulogies. not word OF
which she understood. concerning q
green beetle with yellow spots.
II am so glad you are interested.
professor" she said. III you don't
mind, ! will rejoin my guests. You
will find shorter way back II you
keep along the passage straight ahead
and come through the conservatory"
Certainly! With pleasure" the
professor agreed. without glancing up.
Mrs. Rheinholdt's reception. not.
withstanding tho temporary absence
Of its presiding spirit, was without
doubt an unqualified success. In one
Of the distant rooms the younger peo-
pie were dancing. Philip Rheinholdt.
with pretty young dehutante upon
his arm. came out from the dancing
room and looked around amongst the
little knots OF people.
II wonder where mother is." he re-
marked. "She told me-"
The young man broke OF In the
middle OF his sentence. He. too. like
many others In the room. felt = sud
den thrill almost OF horror at the
sound which rang without warning
upon their ears--a woman's cry.
cry OF fear and horror. Mrs. Rhein-
holdt, her hands clasping her neck.
her splendid composure thing OF
the past. a panic-stricken. terrified
woman. stumbled into the room, She
seemed on the point Of collapse.
Somehow or other. they got her into
an easy chair.
"My jewels," she cried. MY dia-
monds!"
what do you mean. mother." Phil
lip Rheinholdt asked quickly. Have
you lost themy'
"Stolen." Mrs. Rheinholdt shrieked.
Stolen there In the conservatory"
They CARED at her open-mouthed, in.
credulous. Then a still. quiet voice
from the outside OF the little circle
interviewed.
Instruct your servants. Mr.. Rhein-
holdt, to lock and bar all the doors OF
the house." the professor suggested.
"No one must leave 1t until we have
heard your mothers story"
II had just taken the professor into
the little room my husband used to
call the museum" Mrs. Rheinholdt
explained. her voice still shaking with
agitation. II left him there to exam
Inc some specimens of beetles.
thought that would come back
through the conservatory. which is
the quickest way. was about half
way across 1t when suddenly heard
the switch go behind me and all the
electric lights were turned out. I
couldn't imagine what had happened.
While I hesitated saw"
She broke down again. There was
no doubt about the genuineness OF her
terror.
r saw q pair Of hands Just hands
mo arms--nothing but handsome
out OF the darkness! They gripped
me by the throat, suppose 1t was
Just for = second. l think lost con-
sciousness for a moment. although I
was still standing mp. The next thing
I remember IL that found myself
shrteking and running here--and tho
jewels are gones"
"You saw no one.. her SON asked
incredulously. you heard nothings"
7 heard no footsteps, l saw no one, !"
Mrs. Rheinholdt repeated. The pro-
lessor turned away.
III ron viii allow me-. he begged.
4 am going to telephone to my friend.
! Mr.. Sanford Quest. the criminologlst.