The Washington times., 1915-03-21
"THE HIDDEN HANDS,"
CHAPTER vi,

=
6Sanford Quest and Lenora stood side
IN side upon the steps of the court
House, waiting for the automobile. which
Had become momentarily entangled in
string of vehicles. A little crowd of
6eople were elbowing their way out on
b the sidewalk. The faces of most Of
hem were still shadowed by the three
hours of tense drama from which they
Dad just emerged. Quest, who had lit
4 cigar, watched them curiously.
t~''No heed to go into the court, he re-
marked II could have told you, from
the look of these people, that Macdou-
bal had escaped the death sentence.
lhey have paid their money-or rath-
Iii their time, and they have been cheat
kd of the one supreme thrill"
it.Imprisonment for life seems terrible
Enough" Lenora whispered, shuddering.
p"Can't see the sense of keeping such
4 man alive myself" Quest declared,
With purposeful brutality. 1t was a
Cruel murder. fendishly committed.
tsLenora shivered Quest laid his fingers
for moment upon her wrist. His voice,
though still firm, became almost klnd.
'""Never be afraid, Lenora." he said,
ITO admit the truth. Come. we have fin
fshed with Macdougal now. 1mprison-
inent for life will kSep him from cross
ing your path again.
Ienora sighed. She was almost
ashamed of her feeling Of immense re-
III am very sorry for him. she mur-
Injured. Il wish there were something
one could do"
l''SThere is nothing" Quest replied
Shortly, "and If there were. you would
not be allowed to undertake IT. You
didn't happen to notice the way ne
looked at you once or twice, ala you
hn ShnnP
"You are right" she faltered. Il had
iNTf.ey we're on the point Of crossing the
Quest felt touch upon his shoulder
He turned and found Lord Ash!elgh
Standing by his side. Quest glanced to-
ward Lenora.
W"Run and get In the car, ne ~His- -
fSShe dropped her veil and hastened
across the pavement. The English
mans face grew sterner as he watched
fS;Macdougars accomplice," he muttered.
1--WE used to trust that girl. too
ti"She had nothing whatever to do with
the actual crime, believe me-" Quest as
spred him. Besides, you must remem-
Der that it was really through her that
the man was brought to justice"
I'll harbor no ill-feeling,, toward the
Sirl" LORD Ashlcigh replied. Never
fheless. the sight of her for moment
was disappearing.
row. Mr.. Quest" said Lord Ashleigh.
s-but my brother is very anxious to re-
new his acquaintance with you. l think
YOU met years ago.
,tSanford Quest held out his hand to
the man who had been standing a little
ID the background. Lord Ashleigh
tprned toward him.
s."rhis Is Mr.. Quest, Edgar. You may
remember my brother~Prcfessor Ash
migh-as a man of science. Quest? He
has just returned from South America"
! 'fhe two shook hands, curiously diverse
IN type. in expression, In all the appur-
tenapces of manhood Quest was dark,
NTH no sign Of grayness in his closely
epitome of, forcefulness, his lips hard,
bis eyes brilliant. He was dressed with
the utmost care. His manner was self
ppssessed almost to fault The pro-
fsssor, on the other hand. though his
Shoulders were broad, lost much of his
height and presence through a very pro-
hounced stoop. His face was pale. his
houth sensitive. His smile almost
Womanly in its sweetness. His clothes
ahd general air of abstraction, seemed
father to indicate the clerical profession.
dis forehead, however. disclosed as he
Mted his hat, was the forehead of
seholar.
TT an very proud to make your ac-
ta'alntance again, professor" Quest
taid. Glad to know. too, that you
tfdn't forgotten me"
Amy dear sir" the professor declared,
ss he released the others hand with
fleming reluctance, II have thought
about you many times Your doings
have always ben of interest to me.
Enough l have been lost to the world
@ civilization for so long, have cor
respondents here in New York who
keep me In touch with all that is inter-
estinS. You have made a great name
for yourself. Mr.. Quest. You are one
or those who have made science youl
ll"You are very kind. professor" Quest
observed. flicking the ash from his
fdgar.
s"Not at ALL" the other insisted. Not
az all i have the greatest admiration
IT am sorry" Quest remarked, "that
our first meeting here should be under
snch distressing circumstances"
4 The professor nodded gravely.
E"If you'll excuse me. professor" said
Quest, II think must be getting along.
We shall meet again. ] trust
ga"One moment" the professor begged,
eagerly. Tell me. Mr.. Quest want
your honest opinion. What do you
"Of your what?'' Quest inquired dubl-
ously.
a"Of my anthropoid ape which I have
Just sent to the museum. You know
my Cldim bul perhaps you would
prefer to postpone your final decision
nntll after you have examined the
kkeleton itself"
"a light broke in upon the crimi-
biologist
"Of course!" he exclaimed. For the
Roment, professor, l couldn't follow
Rou. You are talking about the skele-
kon of the ape which you brought home
3rom South America. and which you
have presented to the museum here?"
T. hn t.l
with mild surprise. ITO what else? !
am stating my case. Mr., Quest. in the
North American Review next month, !
may tell you, however. as a fellow
ecientist the great and absolute truth
My claim is ineontestable. My skeleton
will prove to the world, without a
doubt, the absolute truth Of Darwin's
great theory"
x "rhat SOP
"You must go and see it," the pro-
fessor insisted. You shall be per-
fmitted special examination"
SANSS kind Of YOU" Quest murmuredD