“Just a moment,” came hoarsely. “Don’t come in until I call.”
We looked at one another doubtfully. A long minute passed. I could hear a faint sound within. At last came Hulme’s voice:
“All right. Come in.”
As Lorian threw the door open, a faint click sounded from somewhere.
The Turret Room was empty!
“By heaven! he’s given us the slip!” cried my friend.
We glanced around the room. A candle burnt upon the table. And upon the bed stood an iron-barred chest, with a sheet of notepaper lying on its lid!
Lorian pounced upon the note. We read it together.
“Mr. Henry Lorian” (it went), “I realize that you have found me out. I will confess that I had no time to open the chest. But as matters stand I only ask you not to pursue me. I have taken nothing not my own. The ring, and an interesting document which I picked up some years ago, are on the table. Offer what explanation of my disappearance you please. I am in your hands.”
We turned again to the table. Upon a piece of worn parchment lay the missing ring. Lorian spread out the parchment and bent over it.