The secret the blue-print guarded was already graven on his mind in indelible characters--now he would destroy all evidence that it had ever been in his possession and bluff through the rest of the situation as best he might.
He threw the paper toward the flames with a nervous gesture of relief.
But for once his cunning failed--the throw was too hurried to be sure and the light scrap of paper wavered and settled to the floor just outside the fireplace.

The Doctor swore noiselessly and stooped to pick it up and make sure of its destruction.

But he was not quick enough.

Through the window the detective had seen the incident, and the next moment the Doctor heard his voice bark behind him.

He turned, and stared at the leveled muzzle of Anderson's revolver.
"Hands up and stand back!" he commanded.
As he did so Anderson picked up the paper and a sardonic smile crossed his face as his eyes took in the significance of the print.