The Washington times., 1915-05-30
TWELFTH INSTALLMENT.
MEATH IRON WHEELS.
CHAPTER XIV.

ing scene before them. For some
time they had all preserved an almost
eostatic silence.
Say. but it's good to see home
again!" Laura sighed at last.
I'm with you," Quest agreed. en-
phatically. IT'S the wrong side Of the
continent. perhaps, but I'm aching to
set my foot on American soil again.
This the wrong side of the continent!
should say not! Laura exclaimed
pointing to where in the distance the
buildings of the exposition cleaned al
most snow-white in the dazzling sum
shine. why, l have never seen any
thing so beautiful in my life."
The professor intervened amtably.
His face, too. shone with pleasure as he
gazed landwards
clared. The blood and sinews of life
may seem to throb more ponderously in
New York. but there ls a big life here
on this western side-a great. wide
flung, pulsating life. There is room
here. room to breathe"
And it is so beautiful" Lenora muir
INJURED.
Quest glanced little way along the
leaning upon his folded arms, gazing
upon the same scene. There was no
smile on Craigs face, no light of antic.-
patton in his eyes.
Quest observed. who is none too pleased
to see America again"
Lenora shiverea a little. They were
all grave. w
fessor said, that Craig's department
during the voyage has been everything
that could be desired. He has even vol
unfairly carried out certain small atten-
tions to my person which ! must con-
fess that had greatly missed"
THAT is all right Quest agreed. AT
the same time l am afraid the moment
has come now to remind him that the
end is drawing near"
Quest moved slowly down the deck
towards Craig's side. and touched him
on the arm.
The man skunk away. There was
sudden look Of horror in his white face.
He started back. but Quest was too
fhs click tSf % of handcu en the 'nnse mate "o Of
which was concealed under the criml-
nologist's cuff.
You'd better take things quietly" the
advised. 1T viii only hurt you to
yoor hand in your pocket. so, and no
one will notice"
Craig obeyed silently. They stepped
along the deck toward the rest of the
party. Lenora handed her glasses to
"Do look. Mr.. Quest" she begged
There Is Inspector French standing In
the front row on the dock. with two
enormous punches of fowers-carna-
tions for me. I expect, and poinsettias
for Laura. They're the larger bunch"
Quest took the glasses and nodded.
That's French. right enough" he as
sented Look at him standing straight
ening his tie in front of that adver-
tisement mirror! Flowers, too! Say,
he's got his eye on one of you girls.
Not you, by any chance, is it. Lenora?"
IanOra laughed
had turned little pink.
IT guess French has got sense enough
to know I'm not that sort" the latter
replied. THE double harness stuff don't
60 with me. and he knows it."
Lenora made a little grimace as she
turned away.
well" she said. its brave talk"
Almost" the professor pointed out
"Amazonian. Yet IN the ancient days
even the Amazons were sometimes
tanned"
turning away. II don't see why the
man wants to make himself look like
a walking conservatory. though" she
added under her breath
Lenora insisted, H '1f there's there al anything thin
I'm longing for, It's breath of per-
fume from those flowers
Slowly the great steamer drifted
nearer and nearer to the docks hats
were waved from the little line of spec
totors, ropes were drawn taut. The in
spector was standing at the bottom OF
the gangWay as they al passed down.
He shook hands with everyone VigOr-
ously. Then he presented Lenora with
her carnations and Laura with the
poinsettias. Lenora was enthusiastic
Even Laura murmured a few words OF
thanks.
Inspector agreed.
Quest gripned him by rse arm.
French" he said. "I tell you shall
n q hpir - y..l,.
that we've been through. Do you feel
our wav to the cars?"
French withdrew his arm
Nothing doing" he replied "I want
to talk to Miss Laura. You can stow
that criminal stuff. Itll wait all right,
You've got the fellow-that's what mat
Quest ~xchanged an amused glance
with L. ra The inspector and Laura
fell Ii behind. The former took off
his hat moment and famed him
Say. Miss Laura" he began, I'm a
plain man, and a poor hand a. speeches.
I've been saying a few nice things over
to myself on the dock here for the last
hour, but everything's gone right out Of
my head. Look here. 1t sums up like
this: How do you feel about quitting
this bunch right away and coming with
me to New York
NWhat do ! want to go to New York
foS?" Laura demanded.
ph' come on, Miss Laura you know
what ] mean" French replied Wen
slip off and get married here and then
take this man Craig to New York. once
get him safely in the Tombs and we'll
go off on honeymoon anywhere YOU
say"
Laura was on the point Of Laughing
at him. Then the unwonted seriousness
OF his expression appealed suddenly to
her sympathy. She patted him kindly
on the shoulder.
you're a good sort, inspector, but
you've picked the wrong girl. I've run
along on my own hook ever since I was
born, guess, and I can't switch nv
ideas over to this married stuff. You
better get a move on and get Craig back
10 New York before he slips us aFaIn.
I'm going to stay here with the bunch"