"Then be ready to start in a week. Never mind thanks. I am still your debtor. Now about this box? You might be unable to restore it. We must adopt other means."
Lord Ancoats opened the door of an adjoining room with, "Come forward, please." And the little detective whom Rivers had last seen at Denton House that very morning entered briskly.
"I believe you have met before?" said Lord Ancoats.
Rivers was too astonished to reply.
"Yes, I have met James Finny—I beg pardon—Mr. Birket Rivers," said the detective drily.
"Mr. Rivers has explained the mystery very satisfactorily, Marvell," said Lord Ancoats. "The box should be restored without delay. Will you do this, please?"
Mr. Marvell tried to look pleased, but signally failed in the attempt.
"Certainly, my lord," he replied.
There was a knock at the door, and a clerk appeared with a card in his hand.