Gatton and I came finally to our
feet, he clutched at the edge of a bookcase, but recovered himself,
bowed in that stately fashion which immediately translated me in
spirit to the strange library in the Bell House, and:

"Gentlemen," he said, and his harsh voice rose scarcely above a
whisper--"pray resume your seats. I shall not detain you long."

CHAPTER XXV

STATEMENT OF DAMAR GREEFE, M.D.

The speaker reeled and seemed about to fall. Whereupon Gatton sprang
forward and placed an armchair, which he himself had occupied, for Dr.
Damar Greefe. The latter inclined his head in acknowledgment and sank
down weakly, clutching at both arms of the chair.

For my own part, I had not yet recovered power of speech; but:

"Dr. Damar Greefe," said the Inspector, closely watching the man who
sat there collapsed in the chair, "I arrest you on a charge of murder.
I have to warn you that anything you now say will be used in evidence
against you."

The Eurasian exerted a supreme effort, straightening his gaunt body,
and fixing the gaze of those hawk eyes upon Inspector Gatton. When he
spoke his harsh voice had gained strength and his manner was
imperious.

"Detective-Inspector Gatton," he replied, "you do no more than your
duty. I have come here only with the utmost difficulty in my weak
state. Therefore, you need apprehend no attempt at escape on my part.
I have come with a purpose. This purpose I shall fulfill; after
which"--he shrugged his square shoulders--"I shall be at your
service."

"Very good," said Gatton shortly, but I noted that his face was
flushed in a way which betokened repressed excitement.

Giving me a significant glance, he went out to the ante-room, and:

"Sydenham 1448," I heard him call.

Damar Greefe closed his eyes and lay back in the chair; and a moment
later:

"Hullo!" said Gatton. "Detective-Inspector Gatton, C.I.D., speaking
from Willow Cottage, College Road. Send two men in a cab here at once
to remove a prisoner.... Right! Good-by."

He came in again, and closing the door behind him, stood staring at
Damar Greefe in a sort of wonderment. The Eurasian wearily opened his
eyes and looked slowly from side to side. Then:

"Pray be seated, Inspector Gatton," he said. "I have a communication
to make."

Gatton, with never a word, drew up a chair and sat down.

"I do not desire to be interrupted," continued Damar Greefe, "until my
communication is finished. You understand? It will not