"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,