The Professor crossed to Quest's side.

A kindly smile parted his lips.
"My dear Mr.Quest," he exclaimed, "our friend the Inspector's head has been turned a little, beyond doubt, by these horrible happenings! Permit me to assure you, for one, that I look upon his insinuations as absurd." [Illustration: "MR.

QUEST, YOUR ALIBI HAS BEEN FOUND WITH A BULLET IN HIS BRAIN.

I MUST PUT YOU UNDER ARREST."] [Illustration: WHEN QUEST GOES TO THE SAFE TO PRODUCE THE JEWELS, HE FINDS THEM MISSING.] "The man has gone off his head!" Laura declared angrily.
"It will be all right directly he comes back," Lenora whispered, laying her hand upon Quest's arm.
"If only some one would give me my jewels and let me go!" Mrs.Rheinholdt moaned.
The door opened and the Inspector reappeared.

He was looking graver than ever.
"Quest," he announced, "your alibi is useless--in fact a little worse than useless.