Making my way to the library I hastened in and threw myself into one of its great chairs.
In another minute I heard Mr.Steele summon Nixon, and in the short interview which followed between them heard enough to comprehend that he was loading the old butler's arms with a large mass of documents and papers for immediate consumption in the furnace.

Nixon was not to leave till they were all safely consumed.

The grumble which followed from the old fellow's lips was not the most cheerful sound in the world, but he went back with his pile.

Presently I heard the furnace door rattle and caught the smell, which I was careful to explain to Ellen as she went by the library door on her way up-stairs, lest Mrs.Packard should be alarmed and come running down to see what was the matter.
The next moment Mr.Steele appeared in the doorway.
"Now what are we to do ?" said he.
I led the way to what I have sometimes called "the recess" for lack of a better name.
"This is the place," I cried, adding a few explanations as I saw the curiosity with which he now surveyed its various features.

"Don't you see now that cabinet leans to the left?
I declare it leans more than it did yesterday; the floor certainly dips at that point." He cast a glance where I pointed and instinctively put out his hand, but let it fall as I remarked: "The cabinet is not so very heavy.