“I must finish,” she said.  “When my term was over I set myself to get the diary and letters which, if sent to the Russian government, would procure my friend’s release.  I knew that my husband had come to England.  After months of searching I discovered where he was.  I knew that he still had the diary, for when I was in Siberia I had a letter from him once, reproaching me and quoting some passages from its pages.  Yet I was sure that, with his revengeful nature, he would never give it to me of his own free-will.  I must get it for myself.  With this object I engaged an agent from a private detective firm, who entered my husband’s house as a secretary—­it was your second secretary, Sergius, the one who left you so hurriedly.  He found that papers were kept in the cupboard, and he got an impression of the key.  He would not go farther.  He furnished me with a plan of the house, and he told me that in the forenoon the study was always empty, as the secretary was employed up here.  So at last I took my courage in both hands, and I came down to get the papers for myself.  I succeeded; but at what a cost!

“I had just taken the paper; and was locking the cupboard, when the young man seized me.  I had seen him already that morning.  He had met me on the road, and I had asked him to tell me where Professor Coram lived, not knowing that he was in his employ.”

“Exactly!  Exactly!” said Holmes.  “The secretary came back, and told his employer of the woman he had met.  Then, in his last breath, he tried to send a message that it was she—­the she whom he had just discussed with him.”

“You must let me speak,” said the woman, in an imperative voice, and her face contracted as if in pain.  “When he had fallen I rushed from the room, chose the wrong door, and found myself in my husband’s room.  He spoke of giving me up.  I showed him that if he did so, his life was in my hands.  If he gave me to the law, I could give him to the Brotherhood.  It was not that I wished to live for my own sake, but it was that I desired to accomplish my purpose.  He knew that I would do what I said—­that his own fate was involved in mine.  For that reason, and for no other, he shielded me.  He thrust me into that dark hiding-place—­a relic of old days, known only to himself.  He took his meals in his own room, and so was able to give me part of his food.  It was agreed that when the police left the house I should slip away by night and come back no more.  But in some way you have read our plans.”  She tore from the bosom of her dress a small packet.  “These are my last words,” said she; “here is the packet which will save Alexis.  I confide it to your honour and to your love of justice.  Take it!  You will deliver it at the Russian Embassy.  Now, I have done my duty, and——­”

“Stop her!” cried Holmes.  He had bounded across the room and had wrenched a small phial from her hand.

“Too late!” she said, sinking back on the bed.  “Too late!  I took the poison before I left my hiding-place.  My head swims!  I am going!  I charge you, sir, to remember the packet.”