Miranda was implacably silent.
"And they call women the softer sex," said the Major.
"One moment," exclaimed Miranda, taking no notice of his remark. "Mr. Wilbraham has a letter from my husband about the Daventry gun."
"It is mine," answered the Major; "it was written to me."
"I will buy it," said Charnock.
"For a thousand--?"
"No; for permission to answer this prepaid telegram to Scotland Yard."
"In your name?"
"In my name."
"You're not a bad fellow, Charnock," said the Major as he drew out his pocket-book. He handed the letter to Charnock, looked at him curiously, and then laughed softly, without malice.