The Spectator., 1915-11-12
FIFTH lNSTALLMENT
CHAPTER XII.
ON THE RACK.

CHAPTER XII.
 For the moment a 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 supercilious smile upon his lips.
 Perhaps" he suggested. you would like to ask me few questions?'
 Perhaps I may feel 1t my duty to do so," the inspector replied gravely. "In the first place. then, MT. Quest. will you kindly explain the condition of your clothes?"
 Quest shrugged his shoulders.
 Here you are, then," he replied. ''This morning I decided to make an attempt to clear up the mystery of Macdougals disappearance. l sent on my secretary, Miss Laura, to make friends with the section boss, and Lenora and went out by automobile . little later. We instituted a search on a new principle, and before very long we found Macdougals body. That's one up against you. think. in- spector."
 Very likely" the inspector ob- served. GO on. please"
 q left the two young ladies. at Miss Lenoras wish, to superintend the re- moval of the body. l myself had an engagement to 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. I 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. T left 1t in the road. When jumped from the freight car took a taxicab to the pro- fessor's and called for him, as ar ranged"
 The inspector nodded
 I shall have to ask you to excuse me for a moment" he said, while I ring up number ten signal tower. If MT. Quests story receives corrobora- tion the matter is at an end"
 The inspector left the room almost Immediately.
 When he returned he was looking graver than ever.
 Quest" he announced, your alibi is useless-in fact, little worse than useless. The operator at number ten has been found murdered at the back of the tower!"
 Quest started.
 "I ought not to have left him to those thugs" he murmured regret fully.
 There is no automobile of yours in the vicinity" the inspector continued, ~nor any news of 1t. think it will be as well now. Quest. for this matter to take it's obvious course. Will you, first of all, hand over her jewels to Mrs. Rheinholdt?"
 Quest drew the keys of the safe from his pocket. crossed the room and swung open the safe door. For a mo- ment afterwards he stood transfixed. His arm, half outstretched, remained motionless. 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 under arrest, Quest. Ladies and gen. tlemen, will you clear the room now, fl you please. The ambulance I tele- phoned for is outside"
 The professor. who had been look ing as though dazed. suddenly inter- vened.
 MT. French" he said earnestly, "I am convinced that you are making a great mistake. In arresting and talk ing away MT. Quest you are removing from us the one man who is likely to be able to clear up this mystery"
 The anspedtao Ashsd him gently
 g4.a wi1l extuss ms. professor" he std ,llt this is ID. matter for argu- -ient NIT. Quest ean clear himself, DO Or I'll be mora glad than I.'
 lnest shrugged his shoulders. AThe inspector wtll have his little Joxe." he observed dryly. It's all slght. girls Keep cool" he went on. as Ae ssw tkp tsars . Lenora's eyes.