He rose slowly to his feet.

His manner was grave but bewildered.
"Professor," he said, "we will waste no time in words.

Look here." He threw open the door of an anteroom behind his office.

The apartment was unfurnished except for one or two chairs.

In the middle of the uncarpeted floor was a long wooden box from which the lid had just been pried.
"Yesterday, as you know from my note," the curator proceeded, "I was away.
I gave orders that your case should be placed here and I myself should enjoy the distinction of opening it.