CHAPTER VI.
ON THE RACK 1.
For the moment a new element had been introduced into the horror of the little tableau.

All eyes were fixed upon Quest, who had listened to the Inspector's dubious words with a supercilious smile upon his lips.
"Perhaps," he suggested, "you would like to ask me a few questions ?" "Perhaps I may feel it my duty to do so," the Inspector replied gravely.
"In the first place, then, Mr.Quest, will you kindly explain the condition of your clothes ?" Quest looked down at himself quickly.

More than ever he realised the significance of his dishevelled appearance.
"I travelled from number ten tower, just outside New York, on top of a freight car," he said grimly.

"It wasn't a very comfortable ride." "Perhaps you will explain what made you take it, then ?" the Inspector continued.
Quest shrugged his shoulders.
"Here you are, then," he replied.

"This morning I decided to make an attempt to clear up the mystery of Macdougal's disappearance.