the altered conditions of London, which, I understood him to say,
he had not seen for a great many years, he took his key and his
departure. I think there can be no doubt about this being the Mr.
Marbury who was found murdered."

"None at all, I should say, Mr. Myerst," said Rathbury. "And I'm much
obliged to you for coming here. Now you might tell me a little more,
sir. Did Marbury tell you anything about the contents of the box?"

"No. He merely remarked that he wished the greatest care to be taken of
it," replied the secretary.

"Didn't give you any hint as to what was in it?" asked Rathbury.

"None. But he was very particular to assure himself that it could not
be burnt, nor burgled, nor otherwise molested," replied Mr. Myerst. "He
appeared to be greatly relieved when he found that it was impossible
for anyone but himself to take his property from his safe."

"Ah!" said Rathbury, winking at Spargo. "So he would, no doubt. And
Marbury himself, sir, now? How did he strike you?"

Mr. Myerst gravely considered this question.

"Mr. Marbury struck me," he answered at last, "as a man who had
probably seen strange places. And before leaving he made, what I will
term, a remarkable remark. About--in fact, about his leather box."

"His leather box?" said Rathbury. "And what was it, sir?"

"This," replied the secretary. "'That box,' he said, 'is safe now. But
it's been safer. It's been buried--and deep-down, too--for many and
many a year!'"

CHAPTER NINE

THE DEALER IN RARE STAMPS

"Buried--and deep-down, too--for many and many a year," repeated Mr.
Myerst, eyeing his companions with keen glances. "I consider that,
gentlemen, a very remarkable remark--very remarkable!"

Rathbury stuck his thumbs in the armholes of his waistcoat again and
began swaying backwards and forwards in his chair. He looked at Spargo.
And with his knowledge of men, he knew that all Spargo's journalistic
instincts had been aroused, and that he was keen as mustard to be off
on a new scent.

"Remarkable--remarkable, Mr. Myerst!" he assented. "What do you say,
Mr. Spargo?"

Spargo turned slowly, and for the first time since Myerst had entered
made a careful inspection of him. The inspection lasted several
seconds; then Spargo spoke.

"And what did you say to that?" he asked quietly.

Myerst looked from his questioner to Rathbury. And Rathbury thought it
time to enlighten the caller.

"I may as well tell you, Mr. Myerst," he sai