The Washington times., 1915-06-20

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, 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.
| Il recognize, of course" he said,
gravely. that this is the end. A per-
son In extrems has privileges. Will
you allow me to write just a matter
| OF twenty lines at your desk?" 49,.
Silent Quest assented. The profess
sor seated himself In the swing chair.
drew a sheet of paper toward him.
dipped the pen in the ink and began
reached for his own small black bag
| which lay upon the table. Quest caught
him by the wrist
| What do you want out OF that,
professor" he inquired.
| Merely my own pen and ink" the
professor expostulated. IF there Is any
thing l detest in the world. It Is violet
ink. And your pen, too, is execrable.
AS these are to be the last words
shall leave to sorrowing world.
should like to write them In my own
fashion. Open the bag for yourself,
Il You will. You can pass me the
| things out"
Quest opened the bag, took out
Ye handed them to the professor,
who started once more to write. Quest
watched him for a moment and then
| turned away to French. The professor
looked over his shoulder and sud sud,
| her employer by tie arm.
Look she cried. What is he going
| 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 toward
! him. Then suddenly he sprang to his
feet. Again the change came into his
face which they had seen In the mir
ror. French dashed forward toward
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
You have nothing to fear from me-"
he exclaimed. Here Is my last mes
sage to you. Sanford Quest. Read it
! read It aloud Always remember that
this was not your triumph. but mine" :"
read. The professors letters were
carefully formed, his handwriting per-
fectlv legible:
You have been a clever opponent
Sanford Quest: but even now You are
TO be cheated. The wisdom Of the
ages outreaches yours. outreaches It
| and triumDhs."
! Quest looked up quickly.
, What the devil does he mean?" he
The professors arms shot suddenly
, above his head. Again that strange,
animal look convulsed his features. He
; burst into a loud. unnatural laugh.
Men Lea ,rst you f99 he n Grisd holding
black. Poisoned! That is what 1t
means"
! They all stared at him. Quest seized
the ink bottle. revealed the false top.
clamation. Then before they could
realize it the end came The professor
| lay. a crumpled-up heap, upon the
floor. The last change OF all'had taken
| stretched. his face deathly white, his
lips family curved IN the half anna BILE.
! half supercilious smile of the savant
! who sees beyond. Quest stopped over
him.
He is dead" he declared
Quest swung round In his chair as
French entered the room and held out
| his left hand
Glad to see you. French. Help your
self to a cigar
II don't know as l want to smoke this
morning Just at present, thank you"
French replied
Quest laid down his pen and looked
up. French was fdgeting about with
: his hat In his hand. He was dressed
| more carefully than usual. but he was
! obviously i'll at ease.
| Nothing wrong. eh?'
! mo. there's nothing wrong" French
admitted. II just looked in
Quest waited for q moment. Then he
crossed his legs and assumed a patient
attitude.
! What the dickens did you look in
for?" he asked.
THE fact Of it is" French explained
II should like a few words with Miss
Laura"
Quest laughed shortly
"Why on earth couldn't you say so?
he observed. Never knew you bashfu
before. inspector. She's up In the
laboratory. I'll ring for some one tc
show you the way
Quest touched the bell and his new
secretary entered almost at once.
Take Inspector French up into the
laboratory" Quest directed. See you
later. French
"Yes-perhaps-I hope So" the In,
spector replied nervously.
Quest watched him disappear with q
| ouzzled smile Then he dowp "a