"Yes, milord. He said he must see her. When I told heem she had gone out he left your letter for her, weeth instructions that I present it so soon as she came in."
Hugh's face creased into grim lines.
"Very well. As long as she has not yet returned, I will take it back."
The clerk went to the mail-desk, and plucked an envelope from Betty's letter-box. Hugh thanked him, and turned it over in his hand. It was addressed in an extraordinarily scrawling hand to "Miss King." In the lower left-hand corner was written: "By messenger."
"But it looks nothing like your handwriting," exclaimed King. "I am at a loss to comprehend how persons so adroit as our opponents have demonstrated themselves to be could hope to secure success by means of such a shallow trick."
"We'll see," returned Hugh brusquely, slitting the envelope. "I have a notion this is the other ace Hilyer bragged about."
The envelope held a single sheet of paper. On it was written in the same scrawling hand:
"Dear Bet:
"I've broken my arm, which explains this abominable writing. I never could do anything with my left hand. Don't worry, I shall be fit in no time. Can you come with the bearer, or if that is not convenient, with Watkins, to the house in Sokaki Masyeri? It's important. Can't write any more.
"HUGH."