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"Entirely, if you will help me to the men."

"Well, then, in the first place I shall want, a fast police-boat - a steam launch - to be at the Westminster Stairs at seven o'clock."

"That is easily managed. There is always one about there, but I can step across the road and telephone to make sure."

"Then I shall want two staunch men in case of resistance."

"There will be two or three in the boat. What else?"

"When we secure the men we shall get the treasure. I think that it would be a pleasure to my friend here to take the box round to the young lady to whom half of it rightfully belongs. Let her be the first to open it. Eh, Watson?"

"It would be a great pleasure to me."

"Rather an irregular proceeding," said Jones, shaking his head. "However, the whole thing is irregular, and I suppose we must wink at it. The treasure must afterwards be handed over to the authorities until after the official investigation."

"Certainly.

That is easily managed.

One other point.

I should much like to have a few details about this matter from the lips of Jonathan Small himself.

You know I like to work the details of my cases out.

There is no objection to my having an unofficial interview with him, either here in my rooms or elsewhere, as long as he is efficiently guarded?"

"Well, you are master of the situation. I have had no proof yet of the existence of this Jonathan Small. However, if you can catch him, I don't see how I can refuse you an interview with him."

"That is understood, then?"

"Perfectly. Is there anything else?"

"Only that I insist upon your dining with us. It will be ready in half an hour. I have oysters and a brace of grouse, with something a little choice in white wines. - Watson, you have never yet recognized my merits as a housekeeper."

Our meal was a merry one.

Holmes could talk exceedingly well when he chose, and that night he did choose.

He appeared to be in a state of nervous exaltation.

I have never known him so brilliant.

He spoke on a quick succession of subjects - on miracle plays, on medieval pottery, on Stradivarius violins, on the Buddhism of Ceylon, and on the warships of the future - handling each as though he had made a special study of it.

His bright humour marked the reaction from his black depression of the preceding days.

Chapter 10. The End of the Islander

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