The Holly chieftain., 1915-05-07
nights when ! am receiving"

uiu, only ShQ:t time ago, suggest
to the professors servant-the man
who brought your macintosh, sir" he
added. turning to the professor-"that
he could. if he chose. make use OF this
means of leaving the house. Mr. Craig
is a personal friend of mine, and
member of very select little club we
have for social purposes"
Did he follow your SUGGESTION"
Sanford Quest asked.
"Of that l am not aware, sir" the
butler replied. Il left Mr.. Craig with
some 'refreshment. expecting that hs
would remain until my return, but a
few minutes later l discovered that he
had left. l will inquire in the kitchen
if anything is known as to his move
| ments."
He hurried off, Quest turned to tho
professor.
HAS he been with you long, this
man Craig. professor" he asked.
The professors smile was illuminan
ing, his manner simple but convincing.
Craig" he asserted, "is the best
servant, the most honest mortal who
ever breathed."
You think it would be out OF the
question, then" Quest asked. "to asso-
ciate him with the crime?"
The professors confidence was
sublime
Il could more readily associate you.
myself or young Mr. Rheinholdt here
with the affair" he declared.
His words carried weight. The little
breath of suspicion against the pro-
fessor's servant faded away, In mo-
ment or two the butler returned.
ut appears, madam" he announced,
that Mr. Craig left when there was
only one person in the kitchen. He
said goodnight and closed the door be-
hind him 1t is impossible to say,
| therefore, by which exit he left the
house, but personally l am convinced
that, knowing of the reception here to-
night, he would not think Of using the
conservatory"
Most unlikely. I should say" the
| professor murmured "Craig is very
shy man. He is at all times at your
disposal Mr.. Quest, if you should
| desire to question him..
Quest nodded absently
"My assistant and l." he announced.
would be glad to make further ex-
animation of the conservatory, If you
will kindly leave us alone"
They obeyed without demur Quest
took seat and smoked calmly, with
his eyes fixed upon the roof. Lenora
went back to her examination of the
overturned plants, the mold and the
whole ground within the immediate
environs of the assault. She abandoned
the search at last, however, and came
back to Quests side. He threw away
his cigar and rose.
Nothing there?" he asked laconic-
ally.
mot thing" Lenora admitted.
Quest led the way toward the door.
"Lenora," he decided, I'VE up
against something big. There's new
hand at work somewhere"
Along the rain-swept causeway of
Mayton avenue, keeping close to the
shelter of the house, his macintosh
turned up to his ears, his hands buried
in his pockets, a man walked swiftly
along. At every block he hesitated
AMI looked around him. Suddenly he
paused. He was passing great build
ing, brilliantly lit For moment he
thought that it was some place Of en-
tertainment The thought Of entering
seemed to occur to him. Then he felt
a firm touch upon his arm, man N
uniform spoke to him.
Step inside, brother. he invited
earnestly, almost eagerly, notw:th-
standing his monotonous nasal twang.
"Step inside and find peace. Step in
side and the Lord will help you. Throw
your burden away on the threshold"
The mans first impulse at being ad-
dressed had seemed to be one of terror.
Then he recognized the uniform and
hesitated. The man took him by the
arm and led him in. There were the
best part of hundred people taking
their places after the singing of the
hymn. A girl was standing up before
them on a platform She was COM
mencing to speak, but suddenly broke
off She held out her arms to where
the professors confidential servant
stood hesitating.
Come and tell us your SINS" she
called out. Come and have them for
given. Come and start new life in
a new world. There is no one here