The Spectator., 1915-11-12

Craig?" he inquired petulantly. T have rung for you six times. Have l not told you never to leave tho place with. out orders"
 "It is not Craig" Quest replied quiet ly. Tt is l, professor-Sanford Quest"
 The professor swung round fn his chair and eyed his visitor in blank astonishment.
 "Quest?" he exclaimed. God bless my soul! Have they let you out al. ready. then?"
 q came out" Quest replied grim. ly. "Sit tight, and listen to me for a moment, will your"
 You came out?" the professor re peated, looking a little dazed. You mean you escaped?"
 Quest nodded.
 Perhaps I made a mistake" he ad- mitted, but here I am. Now listen, professor" And he told the story of the last few hours.
 The professors face was almost pitt. full in its blank amazement. His mouth was wide open like a child's. words seemed absolutely denied to him. He rose to his feet, obviously a tremendous effort to adjust his ideas.
 Craig locked up in my garage" he murmured. Craig guilty of those murders? Why, my dear Mir. Quest, a more harmless, more inoffensive, peace-loving and devoted servant than John Craig never trod this earth!"
 Maybe" Quest replied. but where is he?"
 The professor could do nothing but look around him little vaguely.
 T am going back" Quest announced. My only chance is the wireless. If Lenora is alive or at liberty. she will communicate with me-"
 May I come. too?" the professor asked timidly.
 Come by all means" Quest assent. ed q will drive you down in your car, if you like"
 The professor hurried away to get his coat and hat, and a few minutes later they started off. Tn Broadway they left the car at garage and made their way up back street which enabled them to enter the house at the side entrance. They passed up- stairs into the sitting-room. Quest fetched the pocket wireless and laid it down on the table. The professor ex- amined it with interest.
 You are marvellous. my friend" he declared. With all these resourcs of science at your command 1t seems incredible that you should be in the position you are"
 Quest nodded coolly.
 Just one moment, professor. while l send of a message" he said, open- ing the little instrument. Where are you, Lenora?" he signaled. Send me word and will fetch you. am in my own house for the present. Let me know that you are safe"
 The professor leaned back. smoking one of Quests excellent cigars. He was beginning to show signs of the liveliest interest.
 Quest" he said, 'I wish could in-
  supposition of yours concerning my servant Craig. The man has been with me for the best part of twenty years. He saved my life in South America; We have travelled in all parts of the world. He has proved himself to be exemplary, a faithful and devoted servant"
 Then perhaps you will tell me-" Quest suggested. where he is now, and why he has gone away? That does not look like complete innocence, does it?"
 The professor sighed.
 T cannot stay here much longer, un- less mean to go back to the Tombs." Quest declared.
 Surely" the professor suggested. your innocence will very soon be es- tablished?"
 There is one thing which will hap pen. without a doubt" Quest replied. My auto and the chauffeur will be dis covered. have insisted upon inquir- ies being sent out throughout the state of Connecticut. They tell me. too, that the police are hard on the scent of Red Gallagher and the other man. Unless they get wind of this and sell me purposely. their arrest will be the end of my troubles. To tell you the truth. professor" Quest concluded. 1t is not of myself am thinking at all just now. It is Lenora."
 The professor nodded sympathet- ically.
 The young lady who shut Craig up in the garage. you mean? A plucky young woman she must be-"
 "She has a great many other good qualities besides courage" Quest de- clared. Women have not counted for much with me. professor. up till now, any more than they have done. l should think. with you. but I tell you frankly, if anyone has hurt hair of that girls head will have their nvsa.