hink, be described as entirely without parallel,
what is the first proceeding to which I resort? Do I seclude myself
from all human society? Do I set my mind to analyse the abominable
impossibility which, nevertheless, confronts me as an undeniable fact?
Do I hurry back to London by the first train to consult the highest
authorities, and to set a searching inquiry on foot immediately? No.
I accept the shelter of a house which I had resolved never to degrade
myself by entering again; and I sit, tippling spirits and water in the
company of an old servant, at ten o'clock in the morning. Is this the
conduct that might have been expected from a man placed in my horrible
position? I can only answer that the sight of old Betteredge's familiar
face was an inexpressible comfort to me, and that the drinking of old
Betteredge's grog helped me, as I believe nothing else would have helped
me, in the state of complete bodily and mental prostration into which
I had fallen. I can only offer this excuse for myself; and I can only
admire that invariable preservation of dignity, and that strictly
logical consistency of conduct which distinguish every man and woman who
may read these lines, in every emergency of their lives from the cradle
to the grave.

"Now, Mr. Franklin, there's one thing certain, at any rate," said
Betteredge, throwing the nightgown down on the table between us, and
pointing to it as if it was a living creature that could hear him. "HE'S
a liar, to begin with."

This comforting view of the matter was not the view that presented
itself to my mind.

"I am as innocent of all knowledge of having taken the Diamond as you
are," I said. "But there is the witness against me! The paint on the
nightgown, and the name on the nightgown are facts."

Betteredge lifted my glass, and put it persuasively into my hand.

"Facts?" he repeated. "Take a drop more grog, Mr. Franklin, and you'll
get over the weakness of believing in facts! Foul play, sir!" he
continued, dropping his voice confidentially. "That is how I read the
riddle. Foul play somewhere--and you and I must find it out. Was there
nothing else in the tin case, when you put your hand into it?"

The question instantly reminded me of the letter in my pocket. I took
it out, and opened it. It was a letter of many pages, closely written. I
looked impatiently for the signature at the end. "Rosanna Spearman."

As I read the name, a sudden remembrance illuminated my mind, and a