Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1915-06-17

uring Company.
there is any news-of my skele-
ton"
Not yet, professor, am sorry to
say" Quest replied. Come in and shut
the door,
There is a young lady here" he
said. who caught me up upon the
landing. She, too, l believe, wishes
to see you"
He threw open the door and stood
on one side. A young woman came
little hesitatingly into the room. Her
hair was plainly brushed back, and
she wore the severe dress of the Sal
walton Army.
Want to see me. young LADY,"
Quest asked.
She held out book
My name is Miss Quigg," she said.
IL want to ask you for subscrip-
ton to our funds"
Quest froWned little.
Very we'll, Miss Quigg. you shall
have donation am busy today, but
call at the same hour tomorrow and
my secretary shall have check ready
for you"
The girl smiled her gratitude.
The professor laid his hand upon
her arm as she passed.
Young lady" he observed. '"you
seem very much in earnest about your
work"
at Is only the people in earnest.
sir" she answered, who can do any
good in the world My work is worth
being in earnest about"
you compel my admiration. My
most respectful admiration. May l..
too, be permitted"
He drew out pocketbock and
passed over toward her little wad Of
notes.
at is so kind of you," she MUIR
INJURED. I'VE never have any hesita-
ton in accepting money. May know
your name?"
1T is not necessary" the professor
answered. You can enter me-" he
added. as he held open the door for
her, as friend-or would you prefer
pseudonym?"
"a pseudonym. II you please" she
begged. I'VE have SO many who send
us sums of money as friends. Anything
will do"
The professor glanced around the
room.
What pseudonym shall l adopt?"
he ruminated. Shall say that an oak
sideboard gives you five hundred dol
lars Or a Chippendale sofa? Or"
he added his eyes resting for mo-
ment upon the little box, "a black
box?"
The two girls from the other side of
the table started Even Quest swung
suddenly around. The professor. as
though pleased with his fancy, nodded
as his fingers played with the lid.
yes, that will do very nicely" he
decided Put me down-'Black Box
five hundred dollars"
The girl took out her book and be-
gan to write The professor, with
little farewell bow, crossed the room
toward Quest. Lenora moved toward
the door
Let me see you out" she said to
the girl pleasantly.
lenora opened the door. Both girls
started Only few feet away Craig
was standing, his head little thrust
forward. For a moment the quiet self
respect of his manner seemed to have
deserted him. He seemed at loss for
words.
What do you want?" Lenora de.
handed
81 was waiting for my MASTER,
Craig explained.
why not downstairs?" Lenora
asked suspiciously. you did not come
up with him"
Il am driving the professor in his
automobile" Craig explained at oc-
Cured to me that if he were going to
be long here should have time to 20
ard order another tire. 1t is of no
consequence though. will go down
and wait in the car"
Lenora stood at the top of the stairs
and watched him disappear. Then she
went thoughtfully back to her work.
The professor and Quest were talking
at the farther end of the room.
Il was in hopes, in great hopes" the
professor admitted, that you might
have heard something promised to
call at Mrs. Rheinholdt's this after
noon"
Quest shook his head.
There is nothing to report at pres
ent. Mr.. Ashleigh." he announced
Dear me. the professor murmured,
this is very disappointing. Is there
no clue, Mr.. Quest-no clue at alp"
mot ghost of one" Quest acknowl-
edged. Il am as far off solving the
mystery of the disappearance of your
skeleton and Mrs. Rheinholdt's neck
lace as have ever been"
The professor took courteous leave
of them all and departed. Lenora
crossed the room to where Quest was
seated.
MIR. Quest" she asked, do you be.
lieve in Inspiration"
Il attribute large amount of my
success" Quest replied. ito my bro.
found belief in It,"
Then let me tell you," Lenora con.
tinued. that have one, and q very
strong one. Do you know that when
! went to the door few minutes ago