he could rent a small safe. He explained to me that he desired to
deposit in such a safe a small leather box--which, by the by, was of
remarkably ancient appearance--that he had brought with him. I showed
him a safe such as he wanted, informed him of the rent, and of the
rules of the place, and he engaged the safe, paid the rent for one year
in advance, and deposited his leather box--an affair of about a foot
square--there and then. After that, having exchanged a remark or two
about 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.