"Poison?—explosive?"
"I could not say, sir."
Bullard turned to Lancaster, who had sunk into a chair, then back to the servant.
"I say, Caw," he said, "could you possibly get Mr. Lancaster something to drink? He's knocked up with the travelling, and it's a bitter night outside. I could do with something myself."
"Very good, sir," came the reply, without hesitation, and Caw went out, closing the door behind him.
"Now," whispered Bullard, and made straight for the writing table, taking from his pocket an instrument of shining steel.
But it was not needed. The deep drawer opened obediently, sweetly.
"Lancaster, we've got it first time!" He lifted out and placed the Green Box on the table. "The diamonds!" Lancaster got up with a jerk and shudder. "Quick! Look in the other drawers for the keys."
All the other drawers were locked.
"Then we must take the whole thing."