was to be repeated; for before
long I had another private visit from Doctor Winchester who had now
paid his nightly visit to his patient and was on his way home. He took
the seat which I proffered and began at once:

"This is a strange affair altogether. Miss Trelawny has just been
telling me about the stolen lamps, and of the finding of them in the
Napoleon cabinet. It would seem to be another complication of the
mystery; and yet, do you know, it is a relief to me. I have exhausted
all human and natural possibilities of the case, and am beginning to
fall back on superhuman and supernatural possibilities. Here are such
strange things that, if I am not going mad, I think we must have a
solution before long. I wonder if I might ask some questions and some
help from Mr. Corbeck, without making further complications and
embarrassing us. He seems to know an amazing amount regarding Egypt
and all relating to it. Perhaps he wouldn't mind translating a little
bit of hieroglyphic. It is child's play to him. What do you think?"

When I had thought the matter over a few seconds I spoke. We wanted
all the help we could get. For myself, I had perfect confidence in
both men; and any comparing notes, or mutual assistance, might bring
good results. Such could hardly bring evil.

"By all means I should ask him. He seems an extraordinarily learned
man in Egyptology; and he seems to me a good fellow as well as an
enthusiast. By the way, it will be necessary to be a little guarded as
to whom you speak regarding any information which he may give you."

"Of course!" he answered. "Indeed I should not dream of saying
anything to anybody, excepting yourself. We have to remember that when
Mr. Trelawny recovers he may not like to think that we have been
chattering unduly over his affairs."

"Look here!" I said, "why not stay for a while: and I shall ask him to
come and have a pipe with us. We can then talk over things."

He acquiesced: so I went to the room where Mr. Corbeck was, and
brought him back with me. I thought the detectives were pleased at his
going. On the way to my room he said:

"I don't half like leaving those things there, with only those men to
guard them. They're a deal sight too precious to be left to the police!"

From which it would appear that suspicion was not confined to Sergeant
Daw.

Mr. Corbeck and Doctor Winchester, after a quick glance at each other,
became at once on most friendly terms.