the copper box for repair, and who'd had it in his hands long enough to find out about it more than I had. It struck me that Bickerdale, not content with what he'd got out of you for telling where the box was, had discovered something in it which he was holding back in hopes of a further and more substantial reward. So I just went to Newcastle and started to find that out. I did find it out—and though I'm not clear now as to when Bickerdale found a certain document in the box, I did find out that he'd not only found one, but had got it! And in Craye's presence and in the presence of your man Pawley, to whom I'd just given a certain piece of confidential information—I forced it out of Bickerdale. I've got it! And it solves the question that's been bothering you."
Sir Charles was getting more and more impatient; his plump white fingers were drumming on the table. And as Parslewe finished, he voiced his impatience in a quick, direct question.
"What is this document?"
Parslewe smiled, and turned the copper
