"Peter Klein, Coward"
Here was a greater mystery than ever.
"This is apparently for you," said Harry, giving the letter to Klein. The whole thing was amazing.
Klein opened the envelope with shaking hands. Then he took it to the other end of the gallery, and, kneeling down, read it by the light of the fire.
Presently he returned and handed the letter to Fernando, who had a fair knowledge of the German language.
"Read that," said he. "How did it come here?" The man was as white as a ghost.
The writer had evidently been at some pains to disguise his handwriting. The letter was written in capital letters with a violet indelible pencil. The message, when translated, was as follows:—
"I have something of importance to say to you. Leave your hiding-place at once and alone."
"It is from von Hardenberg," said Klein. "He orders me to return to him—at once."
"Orders you! And you will go?"