The Case for the Crown by Fred M. White — Read

He came very quietly, with a peculiar smile upon his face, and not at all disturbed apparently to find that the lights were blazing in the principal room of a house which evidently the intruder believed to be empty. It was obvious that he could have no connection whatever with the two men who had recently been exploring there, or probably he would have adopted a more orthodox method of entry. Quite unconscious of the fact that he was being watched by two pairs of keen eyes over the top of the screen, he sat down on a chair by the side of the big library table and proceeded to light a cigarette. His face was turned away, half in the shadow, so that it was impossible to identify him. He was evidently quite at home, quite sure of his ground, and not in the least afraid of interruption. He took from his pocket a paper which he proceeded to read diligently. The contents apparently pleased him, for he rose presently, and proceeded to make a careful examination of the bookshelf on the far side of the room. He moved leisurely from one shelf to another, he even used a chair to examine the high shelves, and for a long time this went on until at length he appeared to find the object of his search. It was a volume, beautifully bound and evidently of great value, for he gave vent to his delight in a laugh that had a suggestion of triumph in it. It was at that moment that Chim Fang clutched Archenfield by the shoulder, and hissed a few words in his ear.

"Reach out your hand, master," he said.