r, has created considerable sensation by running amuck in
a most peculiar manner. While seemingly more intelligent than
heretofore, it has developed characteristics known to be utterly
alien to this type of animal.

Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the case is the refusal
of the animal to eat its accustomed food. Instead it now
consumes enormous quantities of meat. The terrific bellow of
the animal's voice has also undergone a marked change, now
resembling nothing earthly, although some have remarked that it
could be likened to the bay of an enormous hound. Some of its
later actions have seemingly added further canine attributes,
which make the matter all the more mystifying. Veterinaries are
asking why this animal should chase automobiles, and why it
should carry bones in its mouth and try to bury them!

The last one read in part:

Professor Kell has been questioned by authorities at Keegan
relative to the disappearance there last Tuesday of Robert
Manion and his daughter. Kell seemed unable to furnish clues of
any value, but officials are not entirely satisfied with the
man's attitude toward the questions.

Somewhat bewildered by these apparently unrelated items, the reporter
remained lost in thought for quite a space, the while he endeavored to
map out his course of action when he should meet the redoubtable
Professor. That many of the weird occurrences could be traced in some
way to the latter's door had evidently occurred to Bland. Furthermore,
the Old Man relied implicitly upon Perry to get results.

It must be said that for once the star reporter was not overly
enthusiastic with the assignment. Certain rumors aside from the
clippings in his hand had produced in his mind a feeling of uneasiness.
So far as his personal preference was concerned he would have been well
satisfied if some cub reporter had been given the job. Try as he would,
however, he could offer no tangible reason for the sudden wariness.

He was aroused from his absorption by his companion.

"Thought I smelled smoke a while back, and I was right. That's the
house up in the edge of the pines. Deep grounds in front and all gone to
seed; fits the description exactly. Thank Heaven we struck off from the
station in the right direction. This stroll has been long enough. Come
out of it and let's get this job finished."

Suiting the action to the words Handlon started of