By some inexplicable means--possibly another theft--you took the cigar case out of pawn and, like a whipped hound, restored it to me in this feeble, clumsy fashion.

You thought to deceive me, Hemlock Jones! More, you thought to destroy my infallibility.

Go! I give you your liberty.

I shall not summon the three policemen who wait in the adjoining room--but out of my sight forever!" As I stood once more dazed and petrified, he took me firmly by the ear and led me into the hall, closing the door behind him.

This reopened presently, wide enough to permit him to thrust out my hat, overcoat, umbrella, and overshoes, and then closed against me forever! I never saw him again.