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"Yes; it is Benaresto raise it "The box alone must be of some value Where is the key?"

"Small threw it into the Thames," I answered "I must borrow Mrs Forrester's poker" There was in the front a thick and broad hasp, wrought in the i Buddha Under this I thrust the end of the poker and twisted it outward as a lever The hasp sprang open with a loud snap With tre in astonishment The box was empty!

No wonder that it was heavy The iron-o-thirds of an inch thick all round It was massive, well reat price, but not one shred or crumb of metal or jewelry lay within it It was absolutely and completely empty

"The treasure is lost," said Miss Morstan, calmly

As I listened to the words and realized what they reat shadow seera treasure had weighed me down, until now that it was finally re, but I could realize nothing save that the golden barrier was gone from between us "Thank God!" I ejaculated fro smile "Why do you say that?" she asked

"Because you are withinher hand She did not withdraw it "Because I love you, Mary, as truly as ever a man loved a woman Because this treasure, these riches, sealed one I can tell you how I love you That is why I said, 'Thank God'"

"Then I say, 'Thank God,' too," she whispered, as I drew her to ht that I had gained one