When the first cover was removed a layer of tissue paper revealed itself, and after that a large Russia leather case came into view. On pressing the spring the cover lifted and revealed a superb collet, as I believe it is called, of diamonds, and resting against the lid a small card bearing this inscription:
"With heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Lady Hatteras,
"From her sincere admirer,
"Dr. Nikola."
Now what do you think of that?
Well, to bring my story to a close, the event passed off with considerable éclat. We spent our honeymoon on the Blue Mountains, and a fortnight later sailed once more for England in the "Orizaba." Both Mr. Wetherell, who has now resigned office, and the Marquis of Beckenham, accompanied us, and it was to the latter's seaside residence that we went immediately on our arrival in the mother country. My own New Forest home is being thoroughly renovated, and will be ready for occupation in the spring.
Of Nikola, Baxter, Eastover, or Prendergast I have never heard since. What gigantic coup the first-named intends to accomplish with the little Chinese stick is beyond my power to tell. I am thankful, however, to feel that I am not in any way concerned in it. And so I ring the curtain down upon the narrative of my extraordinary Bid for Fortune.
THE END.
