The Washington times., 1915-04-19
CHAPTER XIV. (Continued.)

Inspector French was as good, even
| better than his word. In q surprising
| ly short time he entered the room, fol-
lowed by Laura and Lenora. Quest
gave them a hand each. but It was into
Lenora's eyes that he looked. Her COM
| Ing. her few words of greeting. tlmld
| though they were brought him an i'm
| mense sense of relief.
| well, girls" he said. both full OF
| adventures, eh? What did they do to
you in the Tombs Laura?
| Pshaw! What could they do?"
| Laura replied. 'If they're guys enough
! to be tricked by a girl. the best thing
| they can do Is to keep mum about II
and let her go. That's about what they
did to me-
! Inspector French, who was standing
| a little aloof. regarded Laura with an
/ air Of unwilling admiration.
That's some girl, that Miss Laura, "
he muttered i'm an undcrtone to Quest
| She roasted US nicely"
| Il mustn't stop to hear your story
Ienora, Quest said. you're safe
] that's the great thing
| Found h"r in an empty house, -
| French reported, "out Grayson avenue
way. Now, Mr.. Quest. / don't want To
come the official ovev you too much
| out If you'll kindly remember that
| You re an escaped prisoner
| There was "A knock at the door. A
young man entered in chauffcur's liv.
cry. with his head stilI bandaged
| Quest motion"d him to come in.
| 'Ill Just repeat my story of that
| morning, French,' Quest said. eve
went out to lind Macdougal. and sue
kCeeded. az YOU know. just as | was
| starting for home those two thugs set
! upon me. You know how made my
! eSCapc. They went off in nv automo.
| hi!" and sold II in Bethel | arrested
| thom there myself this morning. Here's
| the sheriff who will bear out what
I say, also that they arrived at the place
| in my automobile.
| "Sure"' the shc"if murmurcd.
| "Furthcr," Quest continued. 'therc's
| my chauffeur. He knows exactly what
| tlmr II was when the tire of NV car
| bl"w out. just as We were starting for
! Now York"
| 1T was lllo. SIR. the chauffeur dc.
| CARED. Mr Quest and both took
out orr watches t" sec il We could
| mako New York by midday Then on,
of thos" fellows hit me over tho head
| and w" been laid up ever since. 4
| man who Keeps store little way
a,ong the road picked me up and Looked
| after nc"
Inspector French hold out his hand.
| "Mr. Quest" he said. II rcckon well
! have to withdraw the case against you
! No hard feeling. hope?"
| None at all" Quest replied promptly
| taking his hand
| That's all right. then" French dc.
| clared. "Fve brought two more men
with me. Perhaps. Mr.. Sheriff, YOU
! wouldn't mind oscorting your prisoners
! round to headquarters? III he there
before long"
And you girls" Quest insisted "gc
right to your room and rest. III come
/ upstairs presently and have a talk
! LOOK after her. Laura" he added
| glancing little anxIously at Lenora
! She has had about as much as she
! can bear. | think"
! stood upon the threshold Watching the
! sheriff and his prisoners leave The
) house. Tho former turned round &c
! wave his adeux.
! There's an elderly guy out here" he
! shouted; seems TO want to come in. =
| Quest leaned forward and saw the
| professor.
| The professor promptly made his ap-
| pearanCe His coat was Ill brushed and
' in place OF hat he was wearing q
| tweed cap. which had seen better davs
I, His expression was almost pathetic.
! MY dear Quest" he exclaimed nc
| he wrung his hand. my hcartiest con.
| gratulauons' AS you know, | ALWAYS
! oeNeVed your innocence. I am delight
ed that it has been proved"
Come in and sit down, Mr.. Ash
! leigh, Quest invited. You know the
= INSPECTOR"
The professor shook hands with
! French. and then. feeling that his an.
pearance required some explanation, he