Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1916-01-27
The professors confidence was

sublime.
II could more readily associate you,
myself or young Mr.. Rheinholdt here
with the affair" he declared.
His words carried weight. The little
breath of suspicion against the pro-
fessor's servant faded away. In q mo-
ment or two the butler returned.
1T appears, madam" he announced.
that Mr.. Craig left when there was
only one person in the kitchen. he
said goodnight and closed the door be-
hind him. 1t is impossible to say.
therefore. by which exit he left the
house. but personally ! am convinced
that. knowing OF the reception here TO-
night, he would not think OF using the
conservatory"
Most unlikely. I should say" the
professor murmured. Craig is q very
shy man. He Is ut all times at your
disposal. Mr.. Quest, If you should
desire to question him."
Quest nodded absently.
"My assistant and l." he announced,
would be glad to make a further ex.
animation Of the conservatory, If you
will kindly leave us alone"
They obeyed without demur. Quest
took a seat and smoked calmly, with
his eyes fixed upon the roof. Lenora
went back to her examination of the
overturned plants. the mold and the
whole ground within the immediate
environs of the assault. She abandoned
the search at last. however, and came
back to Quests side. He threw away
his cigar and rose.
Nothing there?" he asked laconic.
ally.
Not Il thing" Lenora admitted.
Quest led the way toward the door,.
"Lenora." he decided. I've . up
against something big. There's a new
hand at work somewhere"
mo theories yet, Mr.. Quest?" she
asked. smiling.
Not the ghost of one." he admitted
gloomily.
Along the %rain-swept causeway of
Mayton avenue, keeping close to the
shelter of the house, his macintosh
turned up to his ears. his hands buried
in his pockets, a nan walked swiftly
along. At every block he hesitated
and looked around him. His manner
vas cautious, almost furtive. Once
the glare Of an electric light fell upon
his face. a face paliid with fear, al
most hopeless with despair. He
walked quickly. yet he seemed to have
no idea as to direction. Suddenly he
paused. He was passing a great build.
ing. brilliantly lit. For a moment he
thought that it was some place of en-.
tertainment. The thought of entering
seemed to occur to him. Then he felt
a firm touch upon his arm, a man in
uniform spoke to him.
Step inside, brother" he invited
earnestly, almost eagerly, notwith-
standing his monotonous nasal twang.
'"Step inside and find peace. Step in
side and the Lord will help you. Throw
your burden away on the threshold"
The mans first impulse at being ad-
dressed had seemed to be one of terror.
Then he recognized the uniform and
hesitated. The man took him by the
arm and led him in. There were the
best part of a hundred people taking
their places after the singing of the
hymn. A girl was standing up before
them on a platform. She was com.
mencing to speak. but suddenly broke
off She held out her arms to where
the professors confidential servant
stood hesitating,
Come and tell us your SINS" she
called out. Come and have them for
given. Come and start a new life in
a new world. There is no one here
who thinks of the past. Come and seek
forgiveness
For a moment the waif from the
rain-swept world hesitated. The light