"Nonsense," I said, consulting the paper of Striver; "this is the hiding-place right enough. The beam must open in some way, but how?"
"What about the reversed letters?" questioned Gertrude, "they are not reversed on the beam."
"No; but they are on the paper. I know, Gertrude, these letters on the beam are raised so as to give one a grip. Get a candle, will you, or hand up a lamp."
So as to lose no time she stretched with the lamp. I held it close to the raised carving of the beam, and particularly examined the first and last letters, "A" and "S." Circular lines appeared faintly round these, which were not visible round the other letters. I handed the lamp back.
"What are you going to do?" asked Gertrude, replacing the lamp on its stand.
"Twist these first and last letters into the position indicated by the cipher. Then we shall see what will happen."
I put forth my strength to the "A," and found that with an effort it twisted with considerable ease. "Hurrah!" I cried, "this is the secret."
The final "S" was more difficult to move, but at last I contrived to get it twisted completely round. Gertrude's bright face looked up anxiously. "Stand away; stand away," I cried hastily.
It was just as well that I had warned her, for suddenly the whole broad board containing the motto clattered to the floor before I could save it.
"The diamonds! the diamonds!" cried Gertrude excitedly.