'We must see after it to-morrow,' interrupted Tom hastily; and then, raising his voice: 'I am much obliged to you all for helping me to-night, and to-morrow, if you come to me, I will reward you for your trouble. I believe there is nothing more to be done now.' 'Two of the police had better stay on the premises. There are all sorts of things lying about,' said the General. 'You, Tom, will come back with me.' 'I am much obliged to you, General; but I think I had rather not. My own room is perfectly safe, I believe.' 'But the furniture is out, isn't it?' 'No; there was nothing of value but the papers; and, for reasons of my own, I had it left as it was. Good-night, General.' * * * * * So at last Tom was alone. He had given up his lantern to the policeman; but he would not strike a light. He sat on the side of his bed, listening while the sounds of the many footsteps died away, and gazing out into the darkness, which was strangely empty to him. At last, being utterly worn out, he flung himself down on the bed and slept. He awoke early. Of course his first thought was the papers, to the loss of which he could not reconcile himself tamely. Thinking it just possible that he might have been mistaken in supposing he had left them in his writing-drawer, he turned the room upside down in search of them. It was all to no purpose. After a few wild moments of alternating hope and despair, he made up his mind that they would not be found in the house. He dressed and went down into the garden, which was choked up with _débris_ from the gutted rooms. His mother's servants, under whose directions some of the furniture was being carried in, were there already. He questioned them closely about the night before, wishing particularly to know if any stranger had been hanging about during the afternoon or evening. But they could give him no satisfaction. He went on into the Eltons' garden. Early as it was, the General was out. Dressed in morning _déshabille_ he was sitting on the lawn, taking the early cup of tea which strengthened him for his work amongst his plants, while Yaseen Khan, his Indian servant, stood behind him, holding up a white umbrella. The General welcomed Tom warmly. 'Good morning, my dear boy!' he said. 'Got over last night's shock, I hope. Sit down! Yaseen Khan, another cup. Yes, I insist. No sedative like tea.' 'Can I see my mother?' said Tom. 'Not yet, I am sure. She was very much excited last night, and seems to have had difficulty in resting. The last I heard was that she was asleep and not to be disturbed. You may as well take things quietly. Papers found?' 'No, General.' 'Dear! dear! And you say they are important?' 'They are of the deepest, the most incalculable importance to me.' 'You don't mean to say so? I wonder Cherry let them out of his hands.' 'But they were mine--the legacy of the dead man who has enriched me. I hoped to find his wishes, his instructions.'