The Huttig news., 1915-07-24
NINTH lNSTAlLMENT
CHAPTER xxx.
LOST LONDON.

Quest, notwithstanding the unusual nature of his surroundings, slept that night as only tired and healthy man can. He was awakened the next morn ing by the quiet movements of man. clothes carefully brushed and pressed
 Breakfast is served at nine o'clock, sir. It is now half-past eight"
 I'll be right there"
 The man withdrew and Quest made a brisk toilet The nameless fears of the previous night had altogether dis appeared At the last moment he stretched out his hand to take hand kerchief from his sntchel. A sudden exclamation broke from his lips. He stood for moment as though turned to stone. Before him, on the top of the little pile of white cambric. was a small black box! With a movement of the fingers which. was almost me chanical, he removed the lid and drew out the customary little scrap of pa per. He smoothed it out before him on the dressing case and read the mes- sage:
 You will fail here as you have failed before. Better go back. There is more danger for you in this country than you dream Of.
 His teeth came fiercely together and his hands were clenched. His thoughts had gone like flash to Lenora. Was it possible that harm was intended for her? He put the idea away from him almost as soon as conceived. The thing was unimaginable. Craig was here, must be here, in the close vi cinity of the house.
 The atmosphere of the pleasant breakfast room to which in due course he descended, was cheerful enough. Lady Ashleigh had already taken her place at the head of the table.
 She touched an electric bell under the butler appeared.
 "Go up and see how long your pas- ter will be-" Lady Ashleigh directed.
 "Very good, your ladyship."
 The man was backing through the doorway in his usual dignified manner WuCh Wdc ouudChiy PAohSo Oh OAAS side. The valet who had waited upon Quest, and who was Lord Ashleigh's own servant, rushed into the room. He almost shouted to Lady Ashleigh:
 Your ladyship-the master! Some thing has happened! He won't move! He-he-"
 They all trooped out of the room kn cfoIr hn tQad- ing the way. They pushed open the door of Lord Ashleigh's bedchamber. In the far corner of the large room was the four-poster, and underneath the clothes a silent figure. The pro- lessor turned down the sheets. Then he held out his hand. His face, too. was blanched.
 Julia, don't come," he begged. T must know" she almost shrieked. must know!"
 George Is dead" the professor said slowly.
 There was a moments awful silence, broken by piercing scream from Lady Ashleigh. She sank down upon the sofa. and the professor leaned over her Quest turned to the little group of frightened servants who were gath cred round the doorway.
 Telephone for doctor he or dered; "also to the local police sta tion.
 He, too, approached the bed and reverently lifted the covering. Lord Ashleigh was lying there, his body little doubled up, his arms wide out stretched. On his throat were two black marks.
 They had led Lady Ashleigh from the room. The professor and Quest stood face to face. The formers ex- pression, however. had lost all his amiable serenity. His face was white and pinched.
 Quest! Quest!' he almost sobbed My rother!-George, whom l loved like nobody else on earth! Is he real ly dead?"
 Absolutely"
 The professor gripped the oak pillar of the bedstead He seemed on the point of collapse.
 The mark of the Hands is upon his throat" Quest pointed out.
 "The Hands! Oh, my God! tho professor groaned.