t three years, was successful. I discovered all
that I sought--and more; and brought them home with me safely.
Treasures, priceless in themselves, but doubly precious to him by whose
wishes and instructions I sought them. I arrived in London only last
night, and when I woke this morning my precious charge was stolen.
Stolen in some mysterious way. Not a soul in London knew that I was
arriving. No one but myself knew what was in the shabby portmanteau
that I carried. My room had but one door, and that I locked and
bolted. The room was high in the house, five stories up, so that no
entrance could have been obtained by the window. Indeed, I had closed
the window myself and shut the hasp, for I wished to be secure in every
way. This morning the hasp was untouched.... And yet my portmanteau
was empty. The lamps were gone! ... There! it is out. I went to Egypt
to search for a set of antique lamps which Mr. Trelawny wished to
trace. With incredible labour, and through many dangers, I followed
them. I brought them safe home.... And now!" He turned away much
moved. Even his iron nature was breaking down under the sense of loss.

Miss Trelawny stepped over and laid her hand on his arm. I looked at
her in amazement. All the passion and pain which had so moved her
seemed to have taken the form of resolution. Her form was erect, her
eyes blazed; energy was manifest in every nerve and fibre of her being.
Even her voice was full of nervous power as she spoke. It was apparent
that she was a marvellously strong woman, and that her strength could
answer when called upon.

"We must act at once! My Father's wishes must be carried out if it is
possible to us. Mr. Ross, you are a lawyer. We have actually in the
house a man whom you consider one of the best detectives in London.
Surely we can do something. We can begin at once!" Mr. Corbeck took
new life from her enthusiasm.

"Good! You are your Father's daughter!" was all he said. But his
admiration for her energy was manifested by the impulsive way in which
he took her hand. I moved over to the door. I was going to bring
Sergeant Daw; and from her look of approval, I knew that Margaret--Miss
Trelawny--understood. I was at the door when Mr. Corbeck called me
back.

"One moment," he said, "before we bring a stranger on the scene. It
must be borne in mind that he is not to know what you know now, that
the lamps were the objects of a prolonged and difficult and dan