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As our coach passed Crown Street I could no longer doubt whither ere bound The shock of certainty aroused y which had chained me to silence At the same moment Sir Peter thrust his head from theand called to his coach his seat: "We had nigh forgotten the case of pistols, Carus"

The horses sest into Maiden Lane, then south through Nassau Street, across Crown, Little Queen, and King Streets, swerving to the right around the City Hall, then sharp west again, stopping at our own gate with a clatter and clash of harness

Sir Peter leaped out lightly, and I followed, leaving Dr Carical case, to await our return

Under the door-lanthorn Sir Peter turned, and in a low voice asked me if I could remember where the pistol-case was laid

My mind was now clear and alert,Walter Butler; to avoid Cunninghaallows; could the first be accoht await me at any instant now, here in our own house, there at the Coq d'Or, or even on the very field of honor itself

"Where did you leave the pistol-case that day you practised in the garden?" I asked coolly

"'Twas you took it, Carus," he said "Were you not showing the pistols to Elsin Grey?"

I droppedto think He waited a moment, then drew out his latch-key and opened the door very softly A single sconce-candle flared in the hall; he lifted it fro-roo over table and cabinet for the inlaid case

Standing there in the hall I looked up the dark and shadowy stairway There was no light, no sound In the drawing-roo locked cupboards, lacquered drawers, and crystal doors, the shifting light of his candle playing over wall and ceiling Why he had not already found the case where I had placed it on the gilded French table I could not understand, and I stole to the door and looked in The French table stood empty save for a vase of shadowy flowers; Sir Peter was on his knees, candle in hand, searching the endless lines of book-shelves in the library A strange suspicion stole intoon h to understand the ain, then e to her door There was a faint light gliainst the panels and whispered, "Elsin!"