One tiny speck of blood showed where the puncture had been.
"This is all an insoluble mystery to me," said I.

"It grows darker instead of clearer." "On the contrary," he answered, "it clears every instant.

I only require a few missing links to have an entirely connected case." We had almost forgotten our companion's presence since we entered the chamber.

He was still standing in the door-way, the very picture of terror, wringing his hands and moaning to himself.

Suddenly, however, he broke out into a sharp, querulous cry.
"The treasure is gone!" he said.