The Washington times., 1915-04-11

l. had been introduced into the
horror of the little tableau. All
eyes were fixed upon Quest, who
had listened to the inspectors dubious
words with a supercilious smile upon
his lips.
"Perhaps,' he suggested, "yoh would
like to ask me a few questions?"
Perhaps I may feel it my duty to
do So" the inspector replied gravely.
In the first place. then. MIR. Quest.
Will you kindly explain the condition
of your Clothes2'
Quest looked down at himself quickly.
More than ever he realized the signifi-
canoe of his disheveled appearance.
Il Travelled from number ten tower,
just outside New York, on top of a
freight car" he said grimy. 1T
wasn't a very comfortable ride"
Perhaps you will explain what made
you take it, then?' the inspector con-
Iinued.
quest shrugged his shoulders.
Here YOU are, them" ne. replied.
This morning | decided to make an
attempt to clear up the mystery Of
MacdouSals disappearance. / sent on
my secretary. Mass Laura, to make
friends with the section boss, and
LenOra ana l went out uy automobile
little later. We instituted a searcn
on a new principle and before very
long We found Macuougai's body. That s
one up against YOU, | think inSpec ,or. -
Very likely, the inspector observed.
GO on. please
Il lett the two young ladies', at Miss
Lenora 5 wish, to Superintend the re-
moval of the body. | myself had an
engagem6n mt to denver over her jewels
TO MIS-. Rheinholdt here at midday.
returned to where my automobile was
waiting, started for the city and was
tN-
house. grt away from them, ran to
the tower houS. to try to stop the
freight, was followed by the thugs. aud
Jumped out on the last car from the
signal arm"
There vas a dead silence. Quest be-
gan quietly to dust his clothes. The
Inspector stopped him.
'1)on't do that" he said
Quest paused in his task and laid
down the brush.
Any more 1uestions?"
'Wherc is your automobile >"
NO idea" quest replied. Il left II
in the road; When | jumped from the
freight car ! took a. taXiCab to the pro-
fessor,s and called for him, as ar
ranged"
That is perfectly true" the profes.
sor interviewed. Mr.. Guest called for
US, as arranged previously. at ten min
utes to twelve.
The inspector nodded
Il shall have to ask you to excuse
me for moment" he said. while
ring up number ten signal tower. III
Mr.. Quests story receives corroboratlon
the matter is at an END Where snall
In every room in the house" Quest
answered shortly. There is Lne o,It sIde
in the passage"
The inspector left the room almost i'm.
mediately. The professor crossed tC
Quests side. A kindly smile parted his
lips.
My dear Mr. Quest" he exclaimed
our friend the inspectors head has
been turned a little, beyond a doubt. by
these horrible happenings! Permit me
TO assure you. for one, that look upon
his insinuatiohs as absurd"
The man has gone off his head -
Laura declared angriy.
IT vii! be all right directly he comes
back Lenora whispered, laying, her
hand upon Quests arm.
IF only some one would give me m,
jewels and let me go" Mrs. Rheinhold,
The door opened and the Inspector re,
appeared. He was looking graver thar
ever.
Quest he announced, "yOur alibi Is
uselcsS--in fact. a little worse than use
less. The operator at number ten hal
heen found murdered at The back Of
the tower ~
Quest started
Il ought not to have left him to thos,
thugs" he murmured regretfully.
There is no automobile Of YOURS in
the vicinity" the inspector continued
nor any news of it. ] think it will b,
as we'll now. Quest. for this matter Il
Of all. hand over her jewels to Mrs
Rheinholdt'"
Quest drew the keys Of the safe from
his pocket, crossed the room ard swun,
open the safe door. For moment ftcr
ward he stood tramsfXed. His arm. hal
outstretChed, remained mOtionless. Tier
he turned slowly around.
The jewels have been stolen," he an
nOunCed with unnatural calm
Mrs. Rheinholdt pushed her way for
ward. wringing her hands.
stolen again." she cried. Mr. quest
Inspectors
when left the house this morning. i
seems probable, he added chat tn
same person who is responsible for thi
double tragedy has also taken tn
jewels
The inspector laid his hand heavil
upon Quests shoulder.
1t does seem as though that nigh
be So" he assented grimly. "Tou vii
kindly consider yourself under arrest
Quest. Ladies and gentlemen, VIII yo
clear the room now, IL you please? TIL
ambulance ! telephOned for Is outside
The professor, who had been lOokin
as though dazed, suddenly intcrvGned.
Mr.. FRENCH" he said earnestly. Il ar
COnV need that you are making a grea
mistake. In arresting and taking ava
Mr.. Quest you are removing from us tn
one man who is likely to be able TO Clca
UP this mystery"
The inspector pushed him gently
one side.
You will excuse me, professor" h
said. but this is no matter for argr
ment II Mr. Quest can clear himsel
no on" viii hc NOR" glad than l."
Quest shrugged his shoulders.