Marchmont, who was also bound for our chambers, and we
walked on together.
"I had a note from Thorndyke," he explained, "asking for a specimen of
handwriting, so I thought I would bring it along myself, and hear if he
has any news."
When we entered the chambers, we found Thorndyke in earnest consultation
with Polton, and on the table before them I observed, to my great
surprise, the dagger with which the murder had been committed.
[Illustration: THE ALUMINIUM DAGGER.]
"I have got you the specimen that you asked for," said Marchmont. "I
didn't think I should be able to, but, by a lucky chance, Curtis kept
the only letter he ever received from the party in question."
He drew the letter from his wallet, and handed it to Thorndyke, who
looked at it attentively and with evident satisfaction.
"By the way," said Marchmont, taking up the dagger, "I thought the
inspector took this away with him."
"He took the original," replied Thorndyke. "This is a duplicate, which
Polton has made, for experimental purposes, from my drawings."
"Really!" exclaimed Marchmont, with a glance of respectful admiration at
Polton; "it is a perfect replica--and you have made it so quickly, too.
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