It contained an Eastern woman's dress and veil, intended, I suppose, to be used in disguising Miss Holmes, who thence-forward would have appeared to be the wife or daughter of one of the abductors.
Savage discovered this parcel, which he lifted only to drop it with a yell, for underneath it lay a torpid snake, doubtless one of those that had been used in the performance.
Of these discoveries and many other details, on our return to the house, Lord Ragnall made full notes in a pocket-book, that when completed were signed by all three of us.
There is not much more to tell, that is of this part of the story.

The matter was put into the hands of detectives who discovered that the Easterns had driven to London, where all traces of the carriage which conveyed them was lost.

They, however, embarked upon a steamer called the _Antelope_, together with two native women, who probably had been provided to look after Miss Holmes, and sailed that very afternoon for Egypt.

Thither, of course, it was useless to follow them in those days, even if it had been advisable to do so.
To return to Miss Holmes.

She came down to breakfast looking very charming but rather pale.