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

Craig sprarg in. no longer the self.
contained. perfect n-an.servant, but
with the face of some wild creature.
His shout was one almost of agony.
THE hut, professor! The hut Is OH
fire." he cried.
His appearance on the threshold
was like IA flash. They heard his fly
ing feet down the hall. and without
a moments hesitation they all fol-
lowed. The professor led the way
down a narrow and concealed path.
but when they reached the little clear
ing in which the hut was situated,
they were unable to approach any
nearer. The place was Il whirlwind
of flame. The smell of kerosene was
almost overpowering. The wild yell
of the leopard rose above the strange,
half-human gibbering OF the monkeys
and the hoarse. bass calling Of anoth-
er voice. at the sound of which Le-
nora and ever Quest s%huddered. Then.
as they came, breathiess. to q stand
still. they saw a strange thing. One
side of the hut fell in. and almost i'm
mediately the leopard with a mighty
spring. leaped from the place and ran
bowling into the underground. The
monkeys followed but they came
straight for the professor. wringing
their hands. They fawned at his feet
as though trying to show him their
scorched bodies. Then for a single
moment they saw the form Of the ape
man as he struggled to follow the
others. His strength failed him. how.
ever. He fell backwards into the burn.
ing chasm.
The professor babe them farewell,
an hour later. on the steps of the
house. He seemed suddenly to have
aged.
You have done your best. MI.
Quest" he said. but fate has been too
strong. Remember this. though. It
Is quite true that the cunning Of Har-
too may have made it possible for
him to have stolen the skeleton and
to have brought it back to its hiding
place, but 1t was jealousy-cruel. bru-
tai, foul jealousy which smeared the
walls of that hut with kerosene and
set light to it. The work of a life
time, my dreams of scientific immor-
tality. have vanished in those flames
He turned slowly away from them
n,l r,ortnrnl tho hnttcn (noct and
Lenora made their way down the ave.
nue. and entered the automobile which
was waiting for them, almost in 81
lence. The latter glanced toward his
companion, as they drove off.
Say, this has been a bit tough for
you," he remarked. Ill have to call
somewhere and get you a glass Of
wine."
She tried to smile but her strength
was almost gone. They drove to a
restaurant and sat there for some lit
tie time. Lenora soon recovered her
color. She ever had courage to speak
of the events of the afternoon when
they re.entered the automobile.
Mr.. Quest" Lenora murmured.
who do you suppose burned the hut
DOWN."
III l don't say Craig, I suppose you
WILL" he remarked. Il wonder wheth-
er Laura's had any luck"
They were greeted. as they entered
Quests room, by a familiar little tick.
ing. Quest smiled with pleasure.
It's the pocket wireless" he de.
clared. Let me take down the mes
sage"
He spelled it out to Lenora, who
stood by his side:
Have Joined Servants club disguised as
your butler. Craig frequent visitor here
ten years ago. comes now occasionally.
Thursday evenings most likely time. Shall
wait here on nance of seeing him.
Good girl. that" Quest remarked.
She's a are sticker. too"
He turned away from the instru-
ment and was crossing the to-
ward his cigar cabinet. Suddenly he
stopped. He looked ~intently towards
the sideboard.
What is it," Lenora asked.
He did not answer. She followed
the direction Of his gaze. Exactly in
the same spot as before reposed an.