Then he vanished, and the door noiselessly closed behind them.
The Master turned to Bohannan.
"Now," said he, "these few last details.

Time is growing very short.
Only a few hours remain.

To work, Major--to work!" At this same moment Auchincloss had already arrived at his rooms in the McAlpine; and there, having carefully locked his door, had settled himself at his desk with his sealed box before him.
For a moment he studied it under the electric light.

Then, breaking the wax with fingers tensed by eagerness, he tore it open.

He spread the contents on his blotting-pad.