He held up a carefully folded pocket-handkerchief which the envelope had contained, and Daniel glanced at it with sudden recognition.
The document was as follows:
Dear sir we are sorry one assassnated you yesterday because you came to us and we see you for the brave gentilman and the Egyptian rispect the Chivalry herewith please find and oblige
Your Wishwellers.
“Well?” asked Lord Blair.
Daniel burst out laughing. “Oh, what children they are!” he exclaimed. “I think that if we all packed up and went home, and sent out half a dozen schoolmasters in our place, the Egyptian question would be solved.”
“Why?—what is the meaning of the letter?” asked his lordship.
“I’d much rather not tell you,” Daniel replied.
“But I must insist,” said Lord Blair. “I must indeed insist.”
Daniel felt awkward: the story was so silly. “It was nothing much,” he explained. “A wretched boy came here yesterday to kill me, and in taking his revolver away from him I unfortunately broke his wrist. So I made a sling with my handkerchief and took him to the doctor. He was in great pain, poor chap.” He paused and reread the letter.
“Go on with the story,” said Lord Blair. “‘This is very serious, very serious indeed.”