red not while my husband was by. Long ago,
before I knew him, my husband stole a box of diamonds from a Captain
Tipps--'"

"My husband!" exclaimed the widow.

"You shall hear," said Dr Noble. "`I often heard him tell the story,
and boast of it,' continued the sick woman, quietly, `and I resolved to
obtain possession of the box, and have it returned, if possible, to the
rightful owner. So I carried out my purpose--no matter how--and led him
to suppose that the treasure had been stolen; but I have often fancied
he did not believe me. This Captain Tipps was a friend of yours, sir.
I know it, because my husband has told me. He remembers you, although
you don't remember him. I wish you to return the box to Captain Tipps,
sir, if he is yet alive. It lies--' here she drew me close to her, and
whispered in my ear the exact spot, under a tree, where the jewels were
hid.

"`You'll be sure to remember the place?' she asked, anxiously.

"`Remember what place?' demanded her husband, sternly, as he returned
with the medicine.

"No answer was given. The woman fell back on hearing his voice, but,
although she lived for nearly an hour, never spoke again.

"The man turned on me, and asked again what place she had been speaking
of. I said that it was idle to repeat what might prove to be only the
ravings of a dying woman. He seized a bludgeon, and, raising it in a
threatening manner, said, `I know you, Dr Noble; you shall tell me what
I want to know, else you shall not quit this room alive.'

"`I know you, too, Thomson,' said I, drawing a small sword from a stick
which I always carried. `If you proceed to violence, it remains to be
seen who shall quit this room alive.'

"I opened the door and walked quietly out, leaving him glaring like a
tiger after me.

"Going to the place described, I found the diamonds; and from that day
to this I have not ceased to try to discover my old friend, but have not
yet succeeded. Knowing that he might be dead, I have made inquiry of
every one possessing your name, Mrs Tipps, in the hope of discovering
his widow or children; and, although your name _is_ an uncommon one,
madam, you would be surprised if you knew how many I have ferreted out
in the course of years. Unfortunately, my friend never mentioned his
family, or the place of his residence in England, so I have had no clue
to guide me save one. I have even found two widows of the name of Tipps
besides yourself, and one of these