The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1915-07-30
FIFTH INSTALLMENT
ON THE RACK.
CHAPTER XII.

For the moment new element had
been introduced into the horror OF the
little tableau All eyes were fixed upon
Quest who listened to the inspectors
dubious words with a supercilious
smile upon his lips
Perhaps" he suggested, you would
like 10 ask me few questions?"
Perhaps | may feel il my duty TO
do So" the inspector replied gravely.
I'm the first place, then, Mr.. Quest,
will you kindly explain the condition
OF your clothes?''
Quest shrugged his shoulders.
Here you are. then" he replied.
This morning | decided 10 make an
attempt TO clear up the mystery OF
Macdougal's disappearance. | sent on
my secretary. Miss Laura, to make
friends with the section boss, and
Lenora and went out by automobile
a little later. We instituted search
on new principle. and before very
long we found Macdougal's body.
That's one up against you. | think, in
spector"
Very likely" the inspector OBJ
seryed. Go on, please.
Il left the two young ladies', at Miss
Lenora's wish, to superintend the re-
moval OF the body ! myself had an
engagement 10 deliver over her jew
els TO Mrs Rheinholdt here at mid
day. ! returned TO where my automo-
bile was waiting. started for the city
and was attacked by two thugs near
the section house. got away from
them. ran TO the tower house to try
and stop the freight. was followed by
the thugs. and jumped out on to the
last car from the signal arm"
Where is your automobile?"
NO idea" Quest replied II left II
In the road When ! jumped from the
freight car took taxicab to the pro-
fessor's and called for him. as ar
ranged"
The inspector nodded.
Il shall have TO ask you TO excuse
me for a moment" he said. while |
ring up number ten signal tower. II
Mr.. Quests story receives corrobora-
ton the, matter is at an end"
The inspector left the room almost
Immediately.
When he returned ne was looking
graYer than ever.
Quest" he announced. your alibi
is useless--in fact a little worse than
useless. The operator at number ten
has been found murdered at the back
OF the tower!"
Quest started
Il ought not to have left him to
those thugs" be murmured regret.
fully.
There is no automobile Of yours in
the vicinity" the inspector continued.
nor any news Of t. think 1t will be
as well now. Quest. for this matter to
take its obvious course. VIII you.
FIRST Of all, hand over her jewels to
blrs. Rheinholdt7"
Quest drew the keys OF the safe
from his pocket. crossed the room and
swung open the safe door For mo.
ment afterwards he stood transfixed
His arm. half outstretched. remained
Enotionless. Then he turned slowly
around
The Jewels have been stolen" he
announced with unnatural calm
The inspector laid his hand heavily
upon Quests shoulder
You will kindly consider yourself
nnder arrest, Quest Ladies and gen
tiemeR. will you clear the room now.
n you please The ambulance | teIe-
phoned for is outside"
The professor. who had been look
ing as though dared. suddenly inter-
Eened
Mr. French" he said earnestly, Il
am convinced that you are making a
great mistake. In arresting and TAX
ing away Mr.. Quest you are removing
from us the one man who is likely to
be able to clear up this mystery"
The inspector pushed him gently
to one side
You will excuse me, professor" he
said, but this IL no matter for argu-
rnent II Nr. Quest can clear himself.
no one will be more glad than l."
Quest shrugged his shoulders
The inspector win have his little
Joke" he observed dryiy. tits all
right, Eirls. Keep COOL" he went on,
~ be saw the Tears In Lenors's eyes.