We have satisfied ourselves as to the contents of the box, and you have identified the articles.

For the present, however, I would prefer that you say nothing of this." "Certainly, Mr.Merrick.

The discovery, whatever its import, is your secret, and I shall make no mention of it whatever." "I don't know that it is of any special importance," said the detective, carelessly, as they prepared to descend the stairs; "but it only confirms the opinion that I have had all along." "Don't you think that this tends to show that the murder and robbery were connected, notwithstanding Mr.Whitney's theories to the contrary ?" Scott inquired, as they were about to separate.
"Possibly," replied the other, gravely.

Then added, with a smile, "Mr.Whitney has his own preconceived ideas of the case and tries to adapt the circumstances to suit them, when, in reality, one must first ascertain whatever facts are available and adjust his theories accordingly." They parted company at the door of the stables, but Scott had not reached the house when the detective, with a peculiar smile, returned to the room up-stairs, and once more opening the box, drew forth from underneath the satin linings a folded paper, yellow with age and covered with closely written lines; which he read with great interest, after which he remained absorbed in thought until aroused by the entrance of his friend, the coachman.
Several hours later Scott stood alone beside the casket of the murdered man.

The head had been turned slightly to one side and a spray of white blossoms, dropped with seeming carelessness within the casket, concealed all traces of the ghastly wound, their snowy petals scarcely whiter than the marble features of the dead.
It lacked more than an hour of the time set for the funeral.