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It was a terrible tih it all the dreadful questions haunted me continually: When will the blow fall? What is it that the police are waiting for? And when they do strike, ill Thorndyke have to say?

So things went on for four dreadful days But on the fourth day, just as the evening consultations were beginning and the surgery was filled aiting patients, Polton appeared with a note, which he insisted, to the indignation of Adolphus, on delivering intoeffect:---"I learn froen, of Berlin--a learned authority on Oriental antiquities--who ist wholishman's name, but there are certain expressions in the letter which haha at 830, to meet Dr Norbury and talk over this letter; and in view of the importance of the matter, I look to you not to fail me"

A wave of hope and relief swept over ht be cut; that the deliverance ht come before it was too late I wrote a hasty note in reply to Thorndyke and another to Ruth, iven them both to the trusty Polton, returned somewhat feverishly to my professional duties To my profound relief, the influx of patients ceased, and the practice sank into its accustomed torpor; whereby I was able, without base and ood tiht o'clock when I passed through the archway into Nevill's Court The war out apace The last red glow of the setting sun had faded from the ancient roofs and chimney-stacks, and down in the narrow court the shades of evening had begun to gather in nooks and corners I was due at eight, and, as it still wanted some minutes to the hour, I sauntered slowly down the court, looking reflectively on the familiar scene and the well-known friendly faces

The day's as drawing to a close The little shops were putting up their shutters; lights were beginning to twinkle in parlour s; a solemn hymn arose in the old Moravian chapel, and its echoes stole out through the dark entry that opens into the court under the archway