"Really, Walter," remarked Elaine, after we had considered the matter for some time, "I think we ought to send that message to the government at Washington."
Already she had seated herself at her desk and began to write, while I examined the metal tube and the note again.
"There," she said at length, handing me the note she had written. "How does that sound?"
I read it while she addressed the envelope. "Very good," I replied, handing it back.
She folded it and shoved it into the envelope on which she had written:
Chief,
Secret Service,
Washington, D. C.
I was studying the address, wondering whether this was just the thing to do, when Elaine decided the matter by energetically ringing the bell for Jennings.
"Post that, Jennings, please," she directed.
The butler bowed just as the door-bell rang. He turned to go.
"Just a minute," I interrupted. "I think perhaps I'd better mail it myself, after all."