interested in the formation.

From the words of Budge Kennedy the bit of jewel had been
discovered at the original excavation. We found the blue clay that
he spoke of, but nothing else. Jerome dissected every bit of earth
carefully. We have spent many hours in that cellar.

But most of the time I was alone. When not too worn with the
loneliness and weariness I worked at my notes. It has been a hard
task from the beginning. Inertia, lack of energy! How much of our
life is impulse! What is the secret that backs volition? It has
been will--will-power from the beginning. I must thank my
ancestors. Without the strength and character built up through
generations, I would have succumbed utterly.

Even as it is I sometimes think I am wrong in following the
dictates of Watson. If I were only sure. I have pledged my word
and my honour. What did he know? I need all the reserve of
character to hold up against the Nervina. From the beginning she
has been my opponent. What is her interest in the Blind Spot and
myself? Who is she? I cannot think of her as evil. She is too
beautiful, too tender; her concern is so real. Sometimes I think
of her as my protector, that it is she, and she alone who holds
back the power which would engulf me. Once she made a personal
appeal.

Jerome had gone. I was alone. I had dragged myself to the desk and
my notes and data. It was along toward spring and in the first
shadows of the early evening. I had turned on the lights. It was
the first labour I had done for several days. I had a great deal