n the front, and the
parquetry, also, ran around the edges of the drawers and up the sides.

There was one like it in the Cavendish library, he remembered. He went
over to it, and, the key being in the lock, drew out pulls and turned
back the top. Inside, there was the usual lot of pigeon holes and small
drawers, with compartments for deeds and larger papers. All were empty.
Either Colonel Duval, in anticipation of death, had cleaned it out, or
Moses and Josephine, for their better preservation, had packed the
contents away. He was glad of it; he could use it, at least, without
ejecting the Colonel.

He closed the lid and had turned away, when the secret drawer, which,
sometimes, was in these old desks, occurred to him. He went back and
began to search for it.... And, presently, he found it. Under the
middle drawer was a sliding panel that rolled back, when he pressed on
a carved lion's head ornamentation, and which concealed a hidden
recess. In this recess lay a paper.

It was yellow with age, and, when Croyden took it in his fingers, he
caught the faint odor of sandal wood. It was brittle in the creases,
and threatened to fall apart. So, opening it gently, he spread it on
the desk before him. Here is what he read:

"Annapolis, 10 May, 1738.

"Honoured Sir:

"I fear that I am about to Clear for my Last Voyage--the old
wounds trouble me, more and more, especially those in my head and
chest. I am confined to my bed, and though Doctor Waldron does
not say it, I know he thinks I am bound for Davy Jones' locker.
So be it--I've lived to a reasonable Age, and had a fair Time in
the living. I've done that which isn't according to Laws, either
of Man or God--but for the Former, I was not Caught, and for the
Latter, I'm willing to chance him in death. When you were last
in Annapolis, I intended to mention a Matter to you, but
something prevented, I know not what, and you got Away ere I was
aware of it. Now, fearing lest I Die before you come again, I
will Write it, though it is against the Doctor's orders--which,
however, I obey only when it pleases me.

"You are familiar with certain Episodes in my Early Life, spent
under the Jolly Roger on the Spanish Main, and you have
maintained Silence--for which I shall always be your debtor. You
have, moreover, always been my Friend, and for that, I am more
than your debtor. It is, therefore, but Mete that