Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1916-02-17

there is any news-of my skele-
ton"
Not yet. professor. I am sorry to
say" Quest replied. Come in and shut
the door"
There Is a young lady here" he
said. who caught me up upon the
landing. She. too. | believe, wishes
to see YOU"
He threw open the door and stood
on one side. A young woman came
a little hesitatingly into the Her
hair was plainly brushed back. and
she wore the severe dress of the Sal
walton Army.
Want TO see ME, young !ady""
Quest asked.
She held out a book.
My name is Miss Quigg," she said.
Il want to ask You for a subscrip
ton to our funds"
Quest frowned a little.
Very well. Miss Quigg, you shal
have n donation. am busy today, but
call al the same hour tomorrow and
my secretary shall have a check ready
for you"
The girl smiled her gratitude.
The professor laid his hand upon
her arm as she passed.
Young lady" he observed. YOU
seem very much in earnest about your
work"
1T is only the people in earnest.
SIR" she answered. who can do any
good in the world. My work is worth
being in earnest about"
You compel my admiration. Ny
most respectful admiration. May l.
too. be permitted"
He drew out a pocketbock and
passed over toward her a little wad Of
notes.
1T is so kind OF you" she muir.
INJURED. We never have any hesita-
ton in accepting money. May know
your name"
1T Is not necessary" the professor
answered. You can enter me- he
added, as he held open the door for
her. las a friend-or would you prefer
a pseudonym:"
"A pseudonym, if you please" she
begged. I'VE have SO many who send
US sums of money as f,S-nds. Anything
will do"
The professor glanced around the
room.
What ]pseudonym shall I adopt"
10 -.-;p,toI .SbolI 7 cav thar On naE
sideboard gives you FIVE hundred dol
lars Or a ~Chippendale sofa? Or"
he added, his eyes resting for a mo-
ment upon the little box, "a black
box"
The two girls from the other side OF
the table started. Even Quest swung
suddenly around. The professor, as
though pleased with his fancy. nodded
as his fingers played with the lid.
Yes. that will do very nicely" he
decided. Put me down-'Black Box
five hundred dollars"
The girl took cut her book and be-
gan to write. The professor. with a
little farewell bow, crossed the
toward Quest. Lenora moved toward
the door.
Let me see you out" she said to
the girl pleasantly.
Lenora opened the door. Both girls
started. Only a few feet away Craig
was standing, his head a little thrust
forward. Fer z moment the quiet self
respect OF his name seemed TO have
deserted him. He seemed at a loss for
words.
What do you WANT" Lenora de-
manded.
Il was waiting for my master"
Craig explained.
why not downstairs" Lenora
asked suspiciously. You did not come
up with him"
~ am driving the professor in his
automobile" Craig explained. 1T oc-
CURED to ME that if he were going to
be long here / should have time to go
and order another tire. 1t is Of no
consequence, though. l will so down
and wait in the car"
Lenora stood at the top OF the stairs
and watched him disappear. Then she
went th%oughtfully back to her work.
The professor and Quest were talking
at the farther end of the room.
Il was in hopes. in great hopes" the
professor admitted. that you might
have heard something. promised to
call ct Mrs. Rheinholdt's this after.
noon"
Quest shook his head.
There is nothing to report at pres
ent. Mr.. Ashleigh," he announced.
Dear me-" the professor murmured.
this is very disappointing. Is there
no clue, Mr.. Quest-no clue at all?"
mot a ghost of one" Quest acknowl-
edged. II am as far of solving the
mystery of the disappearance of your
skeleton and Mrs. R%heinholdt's neck
lace as ! have ever been"
The professor took a courteous leave
Of them all and departed. Lenora
crossed the room to where Quest was
seated.
"Mr. Quest" she asked. do you be.
lieve in Inspiration"
81 attribute a large amount Of my
SUCCESS" Quest replied. ito my pro-
found belief in it."
"Then let me tell YOU" Lenora o
tinued, that | have one. and a very
strong one. Do you know that when
l went to the door a few minutes ago