Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-05-12


garage. hoping every moment to see
something OF Lenora. The door of the
place stood open. lie entered and
walked around. It was empty. There
was no sign OF either Craig or Le-
nora,
appointment, stole carefully out and
made a minute examination OF the
place. Close to the corner from which
Lenora had sent her wireless message
to him. he stopped and picked up 9
handkerchief. which from the marking
he recognized at once. A few feet
away the gravel was disturbed as
though by thu trampling OF several
feet He set his teeth.
I've got to find that girl, he NUT
tered. Craig can go to hi"
He turned away aud approached the
house. The front door stood open
and he made his way at once to the
library. The professor, who was sit
ting at his desk surrounded by a pile
of books and papers. addressed him.
as he entered, without looking up.
Where on earth have you been.
Craig?" he Inquired petulantly. Il have
rung for you six times. Have l not
told you never TO leave the place with.
cut orders?"
1T is not Craig" Quest replied quiet
ly. ct is l. professor-Sanford QueJt."
The professor swung round in his
chair and eyed his visitor in blank
establishment.
Quests" he exclaimed. God bless
my soul! Have they let you out al
ready. them"
II came out" Quest replied grim
ly. "Sit tight, and listen to me for a
moment. will your"
You came out?" the professor re-
peated, looking a little dazed. You
mean you escaped?"
Quest nodded.
Perhaps made a mistake" he ad-
mitted, but here am. Now listen.
professor" And he told the story OF
the last few hours.
The professors face was almost pitt
full in its blank amazement. His
mouth was wide open like a childs,
words seemed absolutely denied to
him He rose TO his feet. obviously
tremendous effort to adjust his
ideas.
Craig locked up in my garage?"
he muraured. Craig guilty of those
murders? Why. my dear Mr. Quest,
a more harmless, a more inoffensive.
psace-loving and devoted servant than
.yphn Craig never trod this EARTH"
Maybe" Quest replied, 'but where
is hef-
The professor could do nothing but
look around him little vaguely.
Il am going back" Quest announced.
my only chance is the wireless. If
Lenora is alive or at liberty, she will
communicate with me-"
May i come. too?" the professor
asked timidly.
Come by all means" Quest assent.
ed. Il viii drive you down in your
car. If you like"
The professor hurried away TO get
his coat and hat, and a few minutes
later they started off. In Broadway
they left the car at a garage and
made their way up back street which
enabled them to enI the house at
the side entrance. 1ney passed up
stairs into the sitting-room. Quest
fetched the pocket wireless and laid il
down on the table. The professor ex'
amined it with interest.
you are marvellous, my friend,
he declared with all these resources
of science at your command it seems
incredible that you should be in the
position you are"
Quest nodded cooliy.
"Just one moment. professor. while
| send of a message, he said, open
ing the little instrument Where are
you. Lenora?" he signaled. Send me
word and will fetch you. 1 am in my
own house for the present Let me
know that you are safe"
The professor leaned back. smoking
one of Quests excellent cigars He
was beginning to show signs Of the
liveliest interest.
Quest" he said, 'T wish / could IL.
duce you to dismiss this extraordinary
supposition CT yours concerning my
servant Craig. The man has been with
me for the lest part of twenty years.
He saved my life in South America
we have travelled in all parts Of the
world. He has proved himself to be
exemplary, a faithful and devoted
servant"
Then J srhaps you will tell me. -
Quest suggested, where he is now,
and why he has gone away? That
does noe look like complete innocence,
does it,"
The professor sighed.
Il cannot stay here much longer, un-
less mean to go back to the Tombs,
Quest declared
Surely" the professor suggested
''your innocence will very soon be es
tablished?"
There is one thing which will hap
pen, without a doubt" Quest replied.
my auto and the chauffeur will be dis
covered. | have insisted upon inquir-
les being sent out throughout the state
of Connecticut They tell me. too,
that the police are hard on the scent
of Red Gallagher and the other man.
Unless they get wind of this and sell
me purposely, their arrest viii be the
end of my troubles. To tell you the
truth. professor" Quest concluded, 1T
is pot of Ynvsalf 7 am thinking At all