But he paid little heed to them, for, in a long and narrow receptacle within one side of the box, his keen eye had discovered a paper, yellow and musty with age, the sight of which thrilled him with hope.

He quickly drew it forth, and a single glance at its title assured him it was indeed the object of his search.

With a low cry of joy, he locked and replaced the metallic box, and, opening the ancient document, he eagerly scanned its contents, an expression of intense satisfaction overspreading his features.
He was still perusing the paper when he heard footsteps approaching the library through the long corridor, followed an instant later by a knock.

Depositing the precious document safely within an inside pocket, he swung the doors of the safe together, turning the handle so as to lock it securely, and, crossing the library, unlocked and opened the door.
The butler was standing there, and, handing Scott a card, said, briefly, "A gentleman on private business; must see Mr.Mainwaring or his secretary at once." Scott glanced at the card: it bore the name of "J.

Henry Carruthers," with a London address, and underneath had been hastily pencilled the word "Important." "Show the gentleman up," he said.