Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1915-07-15


moment. The picture faded out.
"Oh, stop It'll" Lenora begged.
Haven't we seen enough? We knew
the truth now. Stop it or shall dief"
The criminologist made no reply.
His eyes were still fixed upon the pro-
lessor, who showed some signs Of re-
turning consciousness. He was grip
ping at his collar. He seemed to hare
difficulty with his breathing. Quest
suddenly braced himself. He pushed
Lenora back.
"One more" he muttered. There's
something growing in his mind. l can
feel it. Waltz"
Again they all turned towards the
mirror. They saw the hallway Of Ash
leigh house, the pictures upon the
walls, they could almost feel the quiet
silence Of night. They saw the pro-
fessor come stealing down the stairs.
He was wearing the black velvet suit
with the cowl in his hand. They
watched him pause before q certain
door, draw on the cowl and disappear.
Through the opening they could see
Lord Ashleigh asleep in bed, the moon
light streaming through the open win
dow across the counterpane. They
saw the professor turn with strange.
horrible look in his face and close the
door. Lenora burst into sobs
mo more!p she shrieked. mo
more, or shall go mad!"
Quest leaned forward and released
their victim. The whole atmosphere
of the place seemed Immediately to
change. Lenora drew long, convul-
sive breath and sank Into chair. The
professor sat up and gazed ct them
all with the air Of Z man who has
just awakened from q dream. r :
"Have !, by any chance. slept?" he
asked. "Or-"s> y ...- +.
He never finished his sentence. His
eyes fell upon the mirror. the metal
! band lying by his side. He read the
! truth In the faces still turned towards
| him. He rose to his feet. There was
/ another and equally sudden change in
his demeanor and tone. He carried
himself with the calm dignity Of the
scientist. +ts.-i
+ "The end Of our struggle, pre-.
sume?" he said to Quest, pointing to
the metal band. you will at least ad'
init that 1 have shown you fine sport.
No one answered him. Even Quest
had barely yet recovered himself. The
professor shrugged his shoulders.
II recognize, Of course" he said
gravely, that this is the end. A per
son in extremis has privileges. viii
you allow me to write just matter Of
twenty lines at your desk?" ri.
Silently Quest assented. The profes
sor seated himself in the swing chair
drew sheet of paper towards him
dipped the pen in the. ink and began
to write. Then he turned around and
reached for his own small black bag
which lay. upon the table. Quest
caught him by the wrist.
i ''What do you want out Of that, pro
fessor?" he inquired. - ~
Merely my own pen and ink" the
professor expostulated. IL there is
anything / detest in the world, it Is
violet ink. And your pen, too. is 1ex
ecrable. AS they are to be the last
words 1 shall, leave to sorrowine
world, i should like to write them in
| my own fashion. Open the bag fol
yourself, If you will. You can pass
me the things out"
Quest opened the bag. took out .
pen and a small glass bottle Of ink
He handed them to the professor, who
started. at once more to write. Quest
watched him for a moment and then
turned away to French. The profes
sor looked over his shoulder and sud
denly barred his wrist. Lenora seized
her employer by the arm.
Look! she cried. What is he 60
ing to dot" #4.s. %
h Quest swung around. but he was toe
late. The professor had dug the pen
4 into his arm. He sat In his chair and
laughed as they all hurried towards
!, him. Then suddenly he sprang to hil
feet. Again the change came into
his face which they had seen in the
i mirror. French dashed forward 70
wards him. The professor snarled
seemed about to spring, then suddenly
once more stretched out his hands t.
i show that he was helpless and handed
4 to Quest the paper upon which he had
been writing.
You have nothing to fear from me.
The exclaimed. ''Here Ii my last mes
Sage to you, SANFORD Quest Read it,
Tread Il aloud. Always remember thai
lhjs Wa not your triumph. but mine