I may state in closing that Ragobah has requested the “pleasure” (sic) of a private interview with me on Malabar Hill to-morrow night.  As there is a bare possibility he may let fall something which may shed some light upon the accomplice hypothesis, I have agreed to meet him at the entrance to the little cave at nine o’clock.  He has requested that I come alone and I shall do so, but, lest you fear for my safety, let me assure you that I know very well the unscrupulous nature of the man with whom I am to deal and that I shall take good care not to afford him any opportunity to catch me unawares.  You will hear from me again after I meet Ragobah.

Remember me kindly to Miss Darrow.  The failure of my enterprise will, I know, be a bitter disappointment to her, and you must temper this acknowledgment of it with such a hope of ultimate success as you may enjoy.  Tell her I shall never cease my efforts to solve this mystery so long as I am able to find a clue, however slight, to follow.  At present I am all at sea, and it looks as if I should have to go clear back and start all over again.  Ragobah, as a point of departure, has not proved a success.  With my kind regards to you all,
I remain, cordially yours,
George Maitland.

I read this through aloud, despite the fact that I knew some parts of it were intended only for my perusal.  Gwen did not speak until some minutes after I had finished, and then only to express a fear that, despite his caution, harm might come to Maitland at his interview with Ragobah.  She seemed to be far less disappointed at Maitland’s failure to convict Ragobah than she was fearful for her friend’s personal safety.  She was restless and ill at ease for the next two or three days—­in fact, until the arrival of Maitland’s next letter.  This came during my absence on a professional call, and when I returned home she met me with it at the door with an expression of relief upon her countenance so plain as not to be misconstrued.  We went into the sitting-room, where my sister was awaiting the news, and I read as follows: 

My dear doctor: 

I kept my appointment last night with Rama Ragobah and, although nothing transpired at all likely to assist me in locating Mr. Darrow’s assassin, yet the interview, though short, was interesting and worth narrating.  Promptly at nine o’clock I was at my post by the little cave.  I am still staying with Herr Blaschek and, as I had but a few rods to travel, I did not quit the house until within five minutes of the time appointed for our meeting.  As I stepped out into the darkness I noticed a tall form glide behind a tree, about a rod away from the door.  I could not be sure it was Ragobah, yet I had little doubt of it.  I was a trifle taken aback at the moment, and instinctively placed my hand upon my revolver and grasped my cane more firmly.  Should occasion require it, I counted upon this cane