The Holly chieftain., 1915-05-28

seen you tackle worse cases. He seems
dead easy. Then let me in the cell,
| take my clothes and leave me here.
Quest followed the scheme In his
mind quickly.
I'll do it," Quest decided "Ccll the
guard. Laura"
She obeyed. The man came good
naturedly toward them.
Quest looked at him steadfastly
through the bars.
Il want you to come inside for
moment" Quest repeated softly. I'm
look the door. please. take the key of
your bunch and come inside"
The man hesitated, but all the time
his fingers were fumbling with the
keys. Quests lips continued to move.
The warder opened the door and en-
tered. A few minutes later Quest
passed the key through the window to
Laura, who was standing on guard.
Without word. and with marvellous
rapidity. the change was effected.
Laura produced from her handbag a
wig, which she pinned inside her hat
and passed over to Quest Then she
flung herself on to the bed and Grew
the blanket up to her chin
Quest reached Georgia square at
five minutes to three. A glance up
and down assured him that the house
was unmatched. He let himself II
with his own key, threw Laura's
clothes of, and, after a few moments
hesitation, selected from the ward
robe rough tweed suit with a thick
lining and lapels. Just as he was
tying his tie, the little wireless which
he had laid on the table at his side
began to record message. He glanced
at the clock 1t was exactly three.
Quests eyes shone for moment
with satisfaction. Then he sent off
his answering message, put on dus-
ter and slouch hat and left the house
by the side entrance. In few mo-
ments he was in Broadway, and
quarter of an hour later taxicab de-
posted him at the entrance to the
professors house. He walked swiftly
up the drive and turned toward the
garage, hoping every moment to see
something Of Lenora. The door OF the
place stood open. He entered and
walked around. 1t was empty. There
was no sign OF either Craig or LIE.
nora!
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 a
handkerchief, which from the marking
he recognized at once A few feet
away the gravel was disturbed as
though by the trampling of several,
feet. He set his teeth
"Ive got to find that GIRL lie 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 six times. Have ! not
told you never to leave the place with.
out orders?"
ut is not Craig" Quest replied quiet
ly. "It is I, professor-Sanford Quest"
The professor swung round in his
chair and eyed his visitor in blank
astonishment
"Quest?' he exclaimed God bless
my soul! Have they let you out al
ready, them"
81 came out" Quest replied grim.
ly.
perhaps made a mistake" he ad-
mitted, "but here l am. Now listen,
professor" And he told the story of
the last few hours.
The professors face was almost pitt.
full in it's blank amazement.
Craig locked up in my garage?"
he murmured. Craig guilty of those
murders? Why, my dear Mr.. Quest,
a more harmless, more inoffensiye,
peace-loying 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
Lenors is alive or at liberty, she will
communicate with me-"
May come. too?" the professor
asked timidly.
Come by'a MEANS" Quest assent.
ad 81 will drive Won down IN Vs.,