The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1915-04-23
FIFTH lNsTALLMENT
ON THE RACK.
CHAPTER XII.

For'the moment a new element had
been introduced into the horror OF the
little tableau All eyes were fixed upon
Quest, who listened to the inspectors
dubious words with supercilious
smile upon his lips.
Perhaps" he suggested, you would
like to ask me a few questions?'
Perhaps ! may feel 1t my duty to
do So" the inspector replied gravely-
I'm the first place, then. Mr., Quest,
will you kindly explain the condition,
Of your 'clothes?"
Quest shrugged his shoulders.
Here you are them he replied.
"This morning l decided to make an.
\ attempt to clear up the mystery Of
Il Macdougars disappearance l sent on
my secretary, Miss Laura, to make
u friends with the section boss, and,
MLenora and wen out by automobile
Ia little later We instituted search
Apn new principle, and before very
long we found Macdougal's body.
That's one, up against you think, in
hector"
Every likely" the Inspector OBJ,
] rived 60 on, please
III left the two young ladies', at Miss
nora's wish, to superintend the re-
Wal OF the body. myself had an
kagement to deliver over her jew
to Mrs. Rheinholdt here at mid
~ / returned to where my automo-
1e was waiting, started for the city
ID was attacked by two thugs near
y e section house. got away from
' lem, ran to the tower house to try
nd stop the freight, was followed by
he thugs, and jumped out on to tho
Iast car from the signal arm
Where is your automobile?"
mo idea." Quest replied Il left 1t
- the road. When jumped from the
keight car took taxicab to the pro-
essor's and called for him, as ar
u 5anged."
# The inspector nodded.
Il shall have to ask you to excuse
he for moment" he said, while /
hing UP number ten signal tower. II
dr Quests story receives corrobora-
" hon the matter Is at an end"
!X The inspector left the room almost
#
When he returned he was looking
raver than ever.
| Quest" he announced. your aiibi
s useless--in fact, little worse thah
seless. The operator at number ten
Has been found murdered at the back
f the tower!"
8 Quest started
81 ought not to have left him to
hose thugs" he murmured regret
fuIly.
There is no automobile Of yours in
3he vicinity" the inspector continued
#nor any news of 1t. think 1t viii be
Is well now, Quest, for this matter TO
lake its obvious course. VIII you,
hrst of all. hand over her jewels TO
Mrs. Rheinholdt?"
Il Quest drew the keys or the saie
%from his pocket, crossed the room ana
#swung open the safe door. For mo-
4ment afterwards he stood transnxed.
His arm, half outstretched, renamed
motionless. Then he turned Slowly
around.
"The Jewels have been stolen, ne
announced with unnatural calm
The Inspector laid his hand heavily
tupon Quests shoulder.
.'You will kindly consider yourseli
kunder arrest, Quest. Ladies and gen
ktlemen, will you clear the room now
af you please. The ambulance teie'
phoned for Is outside"
The professor, who had been look
3ns as though dazed, suddenly inter
Fened. =,
"Mr. French" he said earnestly, i
Nm convinced that you are making
3reat mistake. In arresting ana tak
hg away Mr.. Quest you are removing
nom US the one man who is likely te
able to clear up this mystery
The inspector pushed him gently
- one side.
"You will excuse me, professor, NJ
aid, but this is no matter for argu
nent. II Mr.. Quest can clear himseif
ID one will be more glad than L.
Quest shrugged his shoulders.
fThe inspector will have his LITTLE
lyke," he observed dryly. It's al
r1xht, girls. Keep COOL" he went on
~ he saw the tears in Lenora's eyes
NOTHING BRINGS RESI-