"I told him that I had been deceived by his people in the borough, and that I had been put to expense through the misrepresentations of the Duchess. I don't think I did ask for the money. But he sent a cheque, and of course I took it."
"Of course;—of course. You couldn't give me a copy of your letter?"
"Never kept a copy." He had a copy in his breast coat-pocket at that moment, and Slide did not for a moment believe the statement made. But in such discussions one man hardly expects truth from another. Mr. Slide certainly never expected truth from any man. "He sent the cheque almost without a word," said Lopez.
"He did write a note, I suppose?"
"Just a few words."
"Could you let me 'ave that note?"
"I destroyed it at once." This was also in his breast-pocket at the time.
"Did 'e write it 'imself?"
"I think it was his private Secretary, Mr. Warburton."
"You must be sure, you know. Which was it?"