Take the copy of "Assyrian Mythology." You will find in it all
that I learned respecting the Hashishin. If I am doomed to be
assassinated, it may aid you; if not in avenging me, in saving
others from my fate. I fear I shall never see you again. A
cloud of horror settles upon me like a pall. Do not touch the
slipper, nor the case containing it.

EDWARD DEEPING.

"It is almost incredible!" I said hoarsely.

Bristol returned the letter to me without a word, and turning to
Lester, who had reentered carrying a heavy pick-axe, he attacked
the oblong box with savage energy.

Through the house of death the sound of the blows echoed and rang
with a sort of sacrilegious mockery. The box fell to pieces.

"My God! look, sir!"

Lester was the trembling speaker.

The box, I have said, was but three feet long by one foot square,
and had clearly defied poor Deeping's efforts to open it. But a
crescent-shaped knife, wet with blood, lay within!