"And what am I to answer to this?"
"H'I'll answer it, hif you'll let me come to the table."
"Yes—and you can copy and sign it. Hit won't be the first private note h'I've hanswered, or the first despatch h'I've written, heither," and with this rebuke he composed the following:
"To
"His Excellency,
"The Honourable,
"———
"Sir:—
"I have the honour to acknowledge your Excellency's private despatch of the 20th inst., and to inform you in reply that the person mentioned in it is now a guest in this house, also that I have discovered the present location of the papers desired, and hope soon to be able to place them in your hands.
"I am, Sir,
"Your obedient servant,
"———.
"Sunday, 12.45 a. m."
The Secretary read and approved, and in a few moments had produced a copy of the same, which was duly signed and sealed.
"And now," he said, "you must be off. There's a train to London about six."