Jack produced Barnstable's letter.
"I thought that you'd perhaps be willing to exchange it for this letter that's otherwise to be read and passed about. I fancy that the person who got it had Miss Wentstile particularly in mind as likely to be interested in it."
The touch showed Jack to be not without some of the astuteness of his mother.
"What weell eet be?" inquired the Count.
"I haven't read it," answered Jack, slowly drawing it from the envelope. "It is said to contain a full account of the life of Count Shimbowski."
"Sacré!"
"Exactly," acquiesced Jack. "It's a devilish shame that things can't be forgotten when they're done. I've found that out myself."
"But what weell be weetheen dat lettaire?"
Jack ran his eye down a page.
"This seems to be an account of a duel at Monaco," he returned. "On the next page—"