The one was death. If he was what he looked, there, at hand, was the proof for which we had been searching. Reggie was Marquis. The other was----. To be frank, it is difficult to put into words in what the other chance of salvation lay. I deemed it just within the range of possibility that in that interview which I was to have with him, and in those other interviews which I would take care should follow, I might succeed in putting the screw on him to such an extent that--well, that, comparatively speaking, all would be right. At the same time I clearly realised that my chance of doing this was something of a minus quantity; and that, for us, it would be best that he should be what he seemed, even though the whole body of spectators might have to suffer. At a quarter to ten the place was uncomfortably full. There must have been a good harvest of half-crowns for some one. At ten minutes to, several persons appeared who entered a roped-in space immediately surrounding the glass case. I concluded that they were 'the manager and staff of the building and a large representative body of eminent medical gentlemen.' At five minutes to, Mr. FitzHoward joined them, having probably concluded that it would be difficult, if not dangerous, to attempt to pack any more people into the place, even if more could be induced to enter. He lost no time, now that he had arrived, but instantly commenced to treat us to examples of his eloquence. 'Ladies and Gentlemen,--In less than another five minutes Mr. Montagu Babbacombe will crown his miraculous feat. It only remains for me, during the short time left at my disposal, to prove to you its bona-fideness; that there has been no deception here. Allow me to introduce you to the manager of the building.' He singled out for our inspection a smiling, yet dignified, gentleman in evening dress; who was, apparently, a very different sort of individual to himself. By way of acknowledging the introduction this gentleman removed his hat. 'Mr. Manager, you hold in your possession the key of this glass case?' 'I do.' 'It was locked in your presence thirty days ago?' 'It was.' 'Since then the key has remained in your possession?' 'It has.' 'To the best of your knowledge and belief no other key to the case is in existence?' 'That is so.' 'The case has not been opened by your orders, or to your knowledge?' 'It has not.' 'You have examined it every day to see that it has not been tampered with?' 'Several times a day.' 'It has been watched day and night by some person or persons appointed by you, in whose trustworthiness you have faith?' 'It has.' 'Therefore, in your opinion, since Mr. Montagu Babbacombe, thirty days ago, fell asleep, and was locked in this case in your presence, no one has had access to him of any sort or kind?' 'That is my opinion.' 'I have now to ask you to hand me the key of the case.' It was handed over. Mr. FitzHoward held it up for us to see.