The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1915-07-30

up the drive and turned toward the
garage. hoping every Momeni to see
something OF Lenora. The door OF the
place stood open. He entered and
walked around. II was empty. There
was no sign OF either Craig or Le-
moral
Quest recovered from his first dis
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 c
handkerchief, which from the marking
ne recognized at once. A few feet
away the gravel was disturbed as
though by the tramplinG Of several
feet. He set his teeth.
I've got to find that girl he NUT
tered. Craig can go to h-l!"
He turned away and 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 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 ST.. times. Have ! not
told you never to leave the place with
out orders?"
1T is not Craig" Quest replied quiet
ly. ut is |, professor-Sanford Quest"
The professor swung round in his
chair and eyed his visitor in blank
establishment.
"Quest?" he exclaimed. God bless
my soul! Have they let you out al
ready, them"
Il 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 little dazed. you
mean you escaped?"
Quest nodded.
Perhaps made mistake" he ad-
mftted, "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 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 murmured. Craig guilty of those
murders? Why, my dear Mr.. Quest,
more harmless, a more inoffensive.
peace-loving and devoted servant than
John Craig never trod this earth!"
Maybe" Quest replied, 'but where
is he?"
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 come. too?" the professor
asked timidly.
Come by all means" Quest assent
ed Il will drive YOU down in your
car. If you like"
The professor hurried away to get
his coat and hat, and few minutes
later they started of. In Broadway
they left the car at a garage and
made their way up back street which
enabled them to enter the house at
the side entrance. They passed up
stairs into the sitting-room, Quest
fetched the pocket wireless and laid it
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 1t seems
incredible that you should be in the
position you are.
Quest nodded coolly.
'Just one moment, professor, while
1 send off 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, Il wish i could in
duce you to dismiss this extraordinary
supposition of yours concerning my
servant Craig. The man has been with
me for the best 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 perhaps you will tell me-"
Quest suggested. where he is now,
and why he has gone away? That
does not 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 win very soon be es-
tablished?"
There is one thing which will hap
pen, without doubt" Quest replied.
MY auto and the chauffeur will be dis