"How did you make out ?" "Well, I've made this find which you see here," answered Mr.Merrick, as the boat headed for shore.

"I don't know yet what it is, but it has not lain long in the water, and it may be worth looking into." Scott made no reply until the detective had sprung ashore; then, as the latter proceeded to examine the box, leaving his companion to take care of the boat and drag, he said, in a low tone,-- "That is likely to prove an important discovery, Mr.Merrick." "You are familiar with it then ?" queried the latter.
"I have seen it in Mr.Mainwaring's safe.

That was the box in which he kept the old jewels that were stolen on the night of the murder." Mr.Merrick whistled softly and studied the box anew.

"Well, there are no jewels in it now, but we will open it.

There is no one up yet to let us into the house, so suppose we go to the stables; we'll be safe there from intrusion." They proceeded to the stables, and, arriving there, Scott was puzzled to see Merrick's companion at work and evidently perfectly at home.
"We are going to use your room a while, Matthews," said Merrick, carelessly.