Ralph’s lips were wreathed with a smile of pity; and he said patiently: “Of course it’s quite evident that the name of the star could not have any relation with the situation of a block of stone in the open country. One clings to this silly conclusion; and on that side all effort comes to an end. But it is exactly that which struck me when I got the word ALCOR from the five initials of the Latin inscription. Master of the magic word, the talismanic word, and having besides observed that the whole affair turned round the number seven--_seven_ abbeys, _seven_ monks, _seven_ branches of the candlestick, _seven_ stones of _seven_ colors set in _seven_ rings--at once, d’you hear? at once by a kind of reflex action of my mind I knew that the star ALCOR was part of the constellation of the Great Bear; and the problem was solved.” “Solved? How?” “Hang it all. Because the constellation of the Great Bear is formed of exactly _seven_ principal stars! _Seven!_ Always the number _seven_! Do you begin to see the connection? Or am I to point out to you once more that if the Arabs chose and if the astronomers since accepted that designation of ALCOR, it is because this quite small star which is scarcely visible serves as a test, do you understand, as a test? To demonstrate that a certain person has good eyesight because they can see it with the naked eye. ALCOR is what you must see, what you must look for, the hidden thing, the concealed treasure, the invisible block of stone into which one slips the precious stones. It is the strong-box.” Josephine, in a fever of excitement at the nearness of the great revelation, murmured: “I don’t understand.” Ralph pulled forward a chair into a position between Leonard and the window which he had opened with the very distinct intention of escaping the moment it became necessary, and sat down on it. As he spoke he was keeping a close watch on Leonard, who persistently kept his hand on the revolver in his pocket. “Well, you’re going to understand,” he said. “It’s as clear as the day, as spring water! Look.” He showed them the visiting-card which he still held in his hand.