the safe and the dummy
packet," said Malcolm Sage, rising. "No, I will open it myself if
you will give me the key," he added, as Sir Lyster rose and moved
over to the safe.

Taking the key, Malcolm Sage kneeled before the safe door and, by
the light of an electric torch, surveyed the whole of the surface
with keen-sighted eyes. Then placing the key in the lock he turned
it, and swung back the door, revealing a long official envelope as
the sole contents. This he examined carefully without touching it,
his head thrust inside the safe.

"Is this the same envelope as that in which the document was
enclosed?" he enquired, without looking round.

The three men had risen and were grouped behind Malcolm Sage,
watching him with keen interest.

"It's the same kind of envelope, but----" began

Sir Lyster, when Lord Beamdale interrupted.

"It's the envelope itself," he said. "I noticed that the right-hand
top corner was bent in rather a peculiar manner."

Malcolm Sage rose and, taking out the envelope, carefully examined
the damaged corner, which was bent and slightly torn.

"Yes, it's the same," cried Mr. Llewellyn John. "I remember tearing
it myself when putting in the document."

"How many leaves of paper were there?" enquired Malcolm Sage.

"Eight, I think," replied Sir Lyster.

"Nine," corrected Lord Beamdale. "There was a leaf in front blank
but for the words, 'Plans Department.'"

"Have you another document from the same Department?" enquired
Malcolm Sage of Sir Lyster.

"Several."

"I should like to see one."

Sir Lyster left the room, and Malcolm Sage removed the contents of
the envelope. Carefully counting nine leaves of blank white foolscap,
he bent down over the paper, with his face almost touching it.

When Sir Lyster re-entered with another document in his hand Malcolm
Sage took it from him and proceeded to subject it to an equally
close scrutiny, holding up to the light each sheet in succession.

"I suppose, Sir Lyster, you don't by any chance use scent?" enquired
Malcolm Sage without looking up.

"Mr. Sage!" Sir Lyster was on his dignity.

"I see you don't," was Malcolm Sage's calm comment as he resumed his
examination of the dummy document. Replacing it in the envelope, he
returned it to the safe, closed the door, locked it, and put the key
in his pocket.

"Well! what do you make of it?" cried Mr. Llewellyn John eagerly.

"We shall have to take the Postmaster-general into our confidenc