already so bitterly prejudiced against me, and not sorry, perhaps,
to subject me to the humiliation of so horrible a charge, immediately
issued his warrant to search my house. I was absent at Derval Court; the
house was searched. In the bureau in my favourite study, which was left
unlocked, the steel casket was discovered, and a large case-knife, on
the blade of which the stains of blood were still perceptible. On
this discovery I was apprehended; and on these evidences, and on the
deposition of this vagrant stranger, I was not, indeed, committed to
take my trial for murder, but placed in confinement, all bail for my
appearance refused, and the examination adjourned to give time for
further evidence and inquiries. I had requested the professional aid of
Mr. Jeeves. To my surprise and dismay, Mr. Jeeves begged me to excuse
him. He said he was pre-engaged by Mr. Strahan to detect and prosecute
the murderer of Sir P. Derval, and could not assist one accused of the
murder. I gathered from the little he said that Strahan had already been
to him that morning and told him of the missing manuscript, that Strahan
had ceased to be my friend. I engaged another solicitor, a young man of
ability, and who professed personal esteem for me. Mr. Stanton (such
was the lawyer's name) believed in my innocence; but he warned me that
appearances were grave, he implored me to be perfectly frank with him.
Had I held conversation with Sir Philip under the archway as reported by
the witness? Had I used such or similar words? Had the deceased said, "I
had a grudge against him"? Had I demanded the casket? Had I threatened
Sir Philip that he would repent? And of what,--his refusal?

I felt myself grow pale, as I answered, "Yes; I thought such or similar
expressions had occurred in my conversation with the deceased."

"What was the reason of the grudge? What was the nature of this casket,
that I should so desire its possession?"

There, I became terribly embarrassed. What could I say to a keen,
sensible, worldly man of law,--tell him of the powder and the fumes, of
the scene in the museum, of Sir Philip's tale, of the implied identity
of the youthful Margrave with the aged Grayle, of the elixir of life,
and of magic arts? I--I tell such a romance! I,--the noted adversary of
all pretended mysticism; I,--I a sceptical practitioner of medicine! Had
that manuscript of Sir Philip's been available,--a substantial record
of marvellous events by a man of