“If they are genuine.”
“Oh, they are,—I’m sure. She had another while you were away.”
“She did! To what purport?”
“Further and more desperate insistence of the ransom,—and quickly.”
“The regular procedure! If it is a fake they would do the same thing.”
“Yes,—and they would also, if it is a real issue.”
Wise went at once to find Minna and see the new letter.
It was indeed imperative, saying, in part:
“Now we have Betty safe, but this is your last chance to get her back. We are too smart for your wise detective and we are in dead earnest. Also Betty will be dead in earnest unless you do exactly as we herein direct. Also, this is our last letter. If you decide against us, we settle Betty’s account and call the whole deal off. Our instructions are the same as before. On Friday night, at midnight, go to the edge of the cliff and throw the package of money over. Tie to it some float and we will do the rest. That is, if you act in sincerity. If you are false-minded in the least detail, we will know it. We are wiser than Wise. So take your choice and,—have a care! No one will be more faithful than we, if you act in good faith. Also, no one can be worse than we can be, if you betray us!”
The somewhat lengthy letter was written on the same typewriter as had been used for the others, and Wise studied it.