"Well," he replied, "as soon as I was in the train on my way back I solved the problem of the fateful hour--with your help, of course. You pointed out that only then was the whole of the gorge flooded with sunshine. Now, it struck me that, if it were not electricity, it would be heat or some other form of light. Then it flashed into my mind that if it were done from a searchlight possessed of some devilish properties the light would not be visible, but the properties would continue to act. _Voilà!_ Then I had already--also with your help--had some doubt of von Hilder; and the hut was _the_ place from which a searchlight would operate on the river. As soon as I got out of the train I taxied to my naval chief, under whom I am working throughout the war, and simply paralysed him with the whole yarn. I pitched him such a tale that he got through to the gunboat to stand by at Mallaig. They were at Portree, nice and handy. I rushed and got the glasses done for the men, picked up the destroyer at Mallaig, and made round here to find out what was happening. Then we sighted Miss McLeod and Angus, and you know the rest. Miss McLeod refused to take the shelter the warship offered, and Angus refused to leave her, so I stayed with them. We acted as pilot-boat, and there you are. That's the lot! Are you satisfied?"
"I'm satisfied, old man," I said, holding out my hand. "Some day I'll try and tell you _how_ satisfied."
"Oh, that's all right," he laughed, and left us in great spirits to return to the searchlight.
And so I was left alone with Myra, who a month ago became my wife. For my services rendered in connection with the remarkable affair I received an appointment in the Naval Intelligence Department, while many of our recent successes on land and on sea have, though the truth has been withheld from the public, been due to the employment of The Green Ray.
_Printed in Great Britain by Wyman & Sons, Ltd., London and Reading._
Minor changes have been made to correct typesetter's errors; otherwise, every effort has been made to remain true to the author's words and intent.
End of Project Gutenberg's The Mystery of the Green Ray, by William Le Queux