"Exactly; and it accounts for the Professor's wish that the safe
should not be touched by any one but a Believer--and for his
instructions that its removal to the Antiquarian Museum and the
placing of the slipper within that institution be undertaken by a
Moslem or Moslems."

Bristol frowned.

"Any one who has touched the receptacle containing the thing," he
said, "has either been mutilated or murdered. I want to apprehend
the authors of those outrages, but I fail to see why the slipper
should be put on exhibition. Other crimes are sure to follow."

"I can only pursue my instructions," said Mr. Rawson dryly. "They
are, that the work be done in such a manner as to expose all
concerned to a minimum of risk from these mysterious people; that
if possible a Moslem be employed for the purpose; and that Mr.
Cavanagh, here, shall always hold the key or keys to the case in
the museum containing the slipper. Will you undertake to look for
some--Eastern workmen, Mr. Bristol? In the course of your
inquiries you may possibly come across such a person."

"I can try," replied Bristol. "Meanwhile, I take it, the safe must
remain at Dulwich?"

"Certainly. It should be guarded."

"We are guarding it and shall guard it," Bristol assured him. "I
only hope we catch someone trying to get at it!"