Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-05-12
FIFTH lNSTALLMENT
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 a supercilious
smile upon his lips.
Perhaps" he suggested, you would
like to ask me a few questions ?"
Perhaps l may feel it my duty 10
do so,' the inspector replied gravely.
"In 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 l 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
a little later. We instituted a search
on a 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
served. 60 on, please"
81 left the two young ladies, at Miss
Lenora's 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. / 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?"
mo idea," Quest replied. Il left it
in the road. When jumped from the
freight car l took a 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 l
ring up number ten signal tower. If
Mr.. Quests story receives corrobora-
ton 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.
81 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 it. 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 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,
If you please. The ambulance tele-
phoned for is oxtside."
The professor. who had been look
ing as though dazed, suddenly inter-
yened.
Mr.. French" he said earnestly, 81
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" .ze
said, 'but this is no matter for a4gu-
ment If Mr.. Quest can clear himself,
no one viii be more glad THEA l."
Quest shrugged his shoulders.
THE inspector will have his little
joke" he observed dryly. tits all
right, girls. Keep COOL" he went on,
as he saw the tears in Lenora's eyes.
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