The Spectator., 1915-10-29
FOURTH INSTALLMENT
AN OLD GRUDGE.
CHAPTER X.

Sanford Quest was smoking his after-breakfast cigar with a relish somewhat affected by the measure of his perplexities. Early though 1t was, Lenora was already in her place, bend ing over her desk, and Laura, who had just arrived. was busy dives.ing her self of her coat and hat. Quest watched the latter impatiently.
 'Well?" he asked.
 Laura came forward. strengthening her hair with her hands.
 No go." she answered T spent the evening In the club. and talked with two men who knew Craig, but I couldn't get on to anything. From all I could hear of the man. respectable ity is his middle name"
 That's the professors own idea" Quest remarked grimly.
 We're fairly up against it, boss" Laura sighed The best thing we can do Is to get on to another job. The Rheinholdt woman has got her jewels back. or will have at noon to- day. l bet she won't worry about the thief Then the professors moldy old skeleton was returned to him, even if 1t was burned up afterwards. should take on something fresh.'
 Cant be done." Quest replied short N. Look here. girls, your average intellects are often apt to hit upon the truth, when a man who sees too al Dntn ip out. Any other possible person occur to you? Speak out, Lenora. You've something on your mind. can see"
 I'm afraid you'll laugh at me" she began tentatively.
 Wont hurt you if do," Quest re- piled.
 'I cant help thinking of Macdou- gal" Lenora continued falteriugly. He has never been recaptured. l don't know whether he's dead or alive. He had a perfect passion for jewels. If he is alive, he would be desperate and would attempt anything"
 Quest smoked in silence for mo- ment.
 'I guess the return of the jewels squelched the Macdougal theory" he remarked. He wouldn't be likely to part with the stun when he'd once got his hands on 1t. However, l always meant, when we had a moments spare time. to look into that fellows where abouts. We'll take it on straight away. Can't do any harm"
 q know the section boss on the railway at the spot where he disap- peared." Laura announced.
 Then just take the train down to Mountways-that's the nearest spot and get busy with him. Quest direct ed. "Try and persuade him to loan us the gangs handcar to go down the line. Lenora and will come or in the automobile"
 Take you longef.' Lenora re- marked as she moved of to put on her jacket "The cars do 1t in . quarter of an hour"
 Cant help that" Quest replied. Mrs. Reinholdt's coming here to iden. tify her jewels at twelve o'clock. and cant run any risk of there being no train back. You'd better be making good with the section boss. Take plenty of bills with you"
 Sure! That's easy enough" Laura promised him. "I'll be waiting for you"
 She hurried on and Quest com menced his own propositions From his safe he took one of the small black Jumps of explosive to which he had once before owed his life. and fit- ted 1t carefully in small case with "a coil of wire and an electric lighter He looked at his revolver and re- charged it. Finally he rang the bell for his confidential valet
 Ross" he asked. who else is there here today besides your"
 No one today. air"
 Just as well. perhaps" Quest ob- served. Listen. Ross, l am going out pow for an hour or two. but shall be '(back at midday. Remember that. Mrs. Rheinholdt and Inspector French are to be hers at twelve o'clock. If by kny chance l should be few minutes hte. ash them to wait. And. Roaa, . young woman fson the Salvation