Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1915-09-17
FIFTH INSTALLMENT
CHAPTER XII
ON THE RACK.

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 a supercilious
smile upon his lips.
Perhaps" he suggested. "you would
like to ask me few questions?'
Perhaps I may feel 1t my duty to
do So" the inspector replied gravely.
TN the first place. then, Mr.. Quest.
will you kindly explain the condition
of your clothes?"
Quest shrugged his shoulders.
Here you are, then" he replied.
This morning l decided to make an
attempt to clear up the mystery of
Macdougal's disappearance. l sent on
my secretary, Miss Laura, to make
friends with the section boss, and
Lenora and went out by automobile
a little later. We instituted a search
on new principle, and before very
long we found Macdougal's body.
That's one up against you. think, in
spector"
Very likely" the inspector OBJ
served. 60 on, please"
Il left the two young ladies'. at Miss
Lenora's wish. to superintend the re-
moval Of the body myself had an
engagement to deliver over her jew
els to Mrs. Rheinholdt here at mid
day I returned to where my automo-
bile was waiting. started for the city
and was attacked by two thugs near
the section house. got away from
them. ran to the tower house to try
and stop the freight. was followed by
the thugs, and jumped out on to the
last car from the signal arm"
Where is your automobile?"
mo idea," Quest replied Il left II
In the road. When jumped from the
freight car took taxicPb to the pro-
fessor's and called for him, as ar.
ranged"
The inspector nodded
Il shall have to ask you to excuse
me for a moment" he said. while
ring up number ten signal tower Il
Mr. Quests story receives corrobora
tion the matter Is at an end"
The inspector left the room alrnos
Immediately.
When he returned he was looking
Rraver than ever
Quest" he announced. your alb
a. useless--in fact, little worse thar
useless The operator at number tel
has been found murdered at the bacl
of the tover!"
Quest started
Il ought not to have left him I,
those thugs" ne murmured regret
fully
There is no automobile of yours Il
the vicinity" the inspector continued
nor any news Of It. | think 1t will b
as well now. Quest. for this matter I
take its obvious course. win yor
first Of all, hand over her Jewels t
Mrs. Rheinholdt2"
Quest drew the keys of the saf
from his pocket. crossed the room an
swung open the safe door. For a mt
ment aftervtPrds he stood transfixeC
His arm. half outstretched. rename
around
THE Jewels have been stolen" b
announced with unnatural calm.
The inspector laid his hand heavil
upon Quests shoulder.
You will kindly consider yourse
under arrest, Quest. Ladies' and gel
tlemen. will you clear the room nov
n you please. The ambulance | tel
phoned for is outside"
The professor. who had been loo
Ing as though dazed. suddenly inte
vened
"Mr. French" he said earnestly,
am convinced that you are making
great mistake. In arresting and ia
ing away Mr.. Quest you are removir
from us the one man who is likely
be able to clear up this mystery"
The inspector pushed him gent
20 one side.
"You will excuse me. professor"
said. but this is no matter for arg
ment II Mr.. Quest can clear himse
no one will be more glad than l."
Quest shrugged his shoulders.
The inspector will have his lit
Njoke." he observed dryly. "It's |
night. girls. Keep COOL" he went c
as he saw the tears in Lenora's ey'
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