You must be nearly at the end
of it."
"No, I am afraid that it has not advanced much since you saw it. For
one thing, the light has not been very good."
Raffles Haw said nothing, but a pained expression flashed over his face.
When they reached the house he led the way through the museum. Two
great metal cases were lying on the floor.
"I have a small addition there to the gem collection," he remarked as he
passed. "They only arrived last night, and I have not opened them yet,
but I am given to understand from the letters and invoices that there
are some fine specimens. We might arrange them this afternoon, if you
care to assist me. Let us go into the smoking-room now."
He threw himself down into a settee, and motioned Robert into the
armchair in front of him.
"Light a cigar," he said. "Press the spring if there is any refreshment
which you would like. Now, my dear Robert, confess to me in the first
place that you have often thought me mad."
The charge was so direct and so true that the young artist hesitated,
hardly knowing how to answer.
"My dear boy, I do not blame you. It was the most natural thing in the
world. I should have looked upon anyone as a madman who had talked to me
as I have talked to you.
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