The Spectator., 1915-10-12
The picture faded out.

moment. The picture faded out.
 "Oh, stop it!" Lenora begged Haven't we seen enough? We know the truth now. Stop it or shall die!"
 The criminologist made no reply. His eyes were still fixed upon the pro- lessor, who showed some signs of re- turning consciousness. He was grip ping at his collar. He seemed to have difficulty with his breathing. Quest suddenly braced himself. He pushed Lenora back.
 One more," he muttered. There's something growing in his mind. I can feel 1t. Wait!"
 Again they all turned towards the mirror. They saw the hallway of Ash leigh house. the pictures upon the walls, they could almost feel the quiet silence of night. They saw the pro lessor come stealing down the stairs. He was wearing the black velvet suit with the cowl in his hand. They watched him pause before a certain door. draw on the cowl and disappear. Through the opening they could see Lord Ashleigh asleep in bed, the moon light streaming through the open win dow across the counterpane. They saw the professor turn with a strange. horrible look in his face and close the door. Lenora burst into sobs.
 No more!" she shrieked. No more, or shall go mad!"
 Quest leaned forward and released their victim. The whole atmosphere of the place seemed immediately to change. Lenora drew a long, convul- sive breath and sank into a chair. The professor sat 1p and gazed at them all with the air of a man who has just awakened from a dream. Have I. by any chance. slept?" he asked Or"
 He never finished his sentence. His eyes fell upon the mirror. the metal band lying by his side. He read the truth in the faces still turned towards him. He rose to his feet. There was another and equally sudden change in his demeanor and tone. He carried himself with the calm dignity of the scientist.
 "The end of our struggle. l pre- sume?" he said to Quest, pointing to the metal band You will at least ad- init that have shown you fine sport"
 No one answered him. Even Quest had barely yet recovered himself. The professor shrugged his shoulders.
 T recognize, of course" he said. gravely. that this is the end. A per son in extremis has privileges. Will you allow me to write just matter of twenty lines at your desk?"
 Silently Quest assented. The profes- sor seated himself in the swing chair, drew sheet of paper towards him. dipped the pen in the ink and began to write. Then he turned around and reached for his own small black bag which lay upon the table. Quest caught him by the wrist.
 "What do you wanttou of that, pro- fessor?" he inquired.
 Merely my own pen and ink" the professor expostulated. If there is anything l detest in the world. it is violet ink. And your pen. too, is ex- ecrable. As they are to be the last words I shall leave to sorrowing world. I should like to write them in my own fashion. Open the bag for yourself. if you will. You can pass me the things out"
 Quest opened the bag, took out a pen and a small glass bottle of ink. He handed them to the professor. who started at once more to write. Quest watched him for a moment and then turned away to French. The profes- sor looked over his shoulder and sud. denly barred his wrist. Lenora seized her employer by the arm.
 Look" she cried. What Is he go. ing to do?"
 Quest swung around. but he was too late. The professor had dug the pen into his arm. He sat in his chair and laughed as they all hurried towards him. Then suddenly he sprang to his feet. Again the change came into his face which they had seen in the mirror. French dashed forward to- wards him. The professor snarled, seemed about to spring, then suddenly once more stretched out his hands to show that he was helpless and handed to Quest the paper upon which he had been writing.
 You have nothing to fear from me-" he exclaimed. Here is my last mes sage to you, Sanford Quest. Read It. read 1t aloud. Always remember that this was not your triumph. but mine."