The Green Forest tribune., 1915-05-21


 low, also armed. Laura gripped Le- | noras arm in excitement They've got him now" she ex- claimed. Got him, sure!" On the fourth or fifth stair Craig hesitated He suddenly saw the pro- lessor standing below. He gripped the banisters with one hand. The | other he flung out in a threatening gesture
 You've given me away to these bloodhounds!" he cried-"you, for whom have toiled and slaved, whom | l have followed all over the world, whom l have served faithfully with | the last breath of my body and the last drop of blood in my veins! You | have brought them here-tracked me l downi You!"
 The professor shook his head sor- rowfully.
 s Craig" he said, you have been the best servant man ever had. If l you are innocent of these crimes you can clear yourself If you are guilty a dogs death is none too good for you"
 1 Craig seemed to sway for a moment upon his feet. Only Lenora, from the hall, saw that he was fitting his right foot into what seemed to be a leath- CT loop hanging from the banisters | Then a wild shout of surprise broke from the lips of all of them, followed by a moment of stupefied wonder l The whole staircase suddenly began to revolve. Craig, clinging to the banisters, disappeared. In moment or two there was a fresh click. An other set of stairs, identical to the first, had taken their place.
 "The cellar" Quest shouted, as he | rushed down the stairs. Quick"
 They wrenched open the wooden door and hurried down the dark steps into the gloomy, unlit cellar. The l pfdce was crowded with packing cases and two large wine barrels stood in the corner. At the farther end was a door. Quest rushed for it and stood guard. A moment later, however, he called to Laura and pressed his re- volver into her hand
 Stand there" he ordered Shoot him if he tries to run out. I'll search in the packing cases. He might be dangerous"
 The professor, out of breath, was leaning against one of the pillars, his arm passed around it for support Lenora, with Quest and French, searched hastily amongst the packing cases. Suddenly there was a loud crack, the sound of falling masonry, followed by scream from Laura. French, with a roar of anger, rushed toward her. She was lying on her side, already half covered by falling bricks and masonry. He dragged her away, just in time.
 My God, she's fainted!" he ex- claimed
 T haven't" Laura faltered, trying to open her eyes, land I'm not going to, but think my arms broken, and my side hurts"
 The fellows not down here, any. way" Quest declared. Let's help her upstairs and get her out of this devils house."
 They supported her up the steps and found chair for her in the hall.
 The inspector swung open the tele- bulance. Then Quest, who had been examining the staircase, suddenly gave a little exclamation.
 He's done us!" he cried Look here, French, this is the original stair case. There's the leather loop. know it because there was a crack on the fourth stair When we rushed down the cellar after him, he swung the thing round again and simply walked out of the front door, Damn 1t, man, it's open!"
 They hurried outside. French blew his whistle One of the plain clothes men came running up from the ave. nue. He was looking a little sheep ish.
 Whats ~wrong?" French demand ed.
 He's gone off," was the unwilling reply. T guess that chaps given us the slip"
 Speak up," French insisted.
 The only place." the man went on i've hadn't our eyes glued on was the front door. He must have come out through that. There's been a motortruck with one CT two queer looking chaps in it at the corner of the avenue there for the last ten min utes. I'd just made Up my mind to stroll round and see what it was UT to when Jim, who was on the other side, shouted out. A man jumped IF into it and they made off at once"
 The inspectors ruhicund counte nance was white with fury. His head kept turning in the direction of Laura to whom the professor was busy ren dering first aid
 If never take another job on as