M." embroidered in one corner.

"Did Mr.Mainwaring carry a handkerchief of that style ?" "Yes; he carried that, or one precisely like it, the last day of his life." "Very good!" was the only reply, as the detective carefully folded and pocketed the article with an air that indicated that he wished to say no more about it.

"And these keys, do you recognize them ?" "They were Mr.Mainwaring's private keys to his library and the southern hall." "The ones the valet said were missing ?" "The same." Mr.Merrick, after studying them curiously for a moment, consigned them to his pocket also, and then began a careful inspection of the interior of the box.

Scott watched him in silence, thinking meanwhile of the old document which he had found hidden away in its depths, and inwardly rejoicing that it had not been left to be discovered by the detective.

Nothing in Mr.Merrick's manner or expression betrayed the nature of his thoughts, and, so long as he chose to remain silent, Scott refrained from questioning him.
At length he closed the box, saying, indifferently, "Well, I don't know as there is any reason why I should detain you any longer, Mr.
Scott.