"This gentleman will tell you a story so remarkable that it may seem to you incredible.
"But it is true every word of it. You will then act as you see fit. But I conjure you, by our past friendship, to do as Mr. Nixon asks.
"Your bona fide will consist of the crest torn from the head of this notepaper, which please send in to Mr. Nixon with these words written on it in red ink—
'MR. SYDNEY re GALVA'
"If you follow these instructions to the letter, Mr. Nixon will at once put you in complete possession of all the facts of the case.
"With my last breath I shall pray for you and the success of the mission.
"Yours,
"HUBERT BAXENDALE.
"P.S.—You will see that Mr. Nixon will know you as Mr. Sydney. Not knowing whether you would like to undertake what I ask in your own name, I thought it wiser that in this matter you should be known simply as 'Mr. Sydney.'
"H. B."
Edward read the letter through many times before he finally folded it and replaced it in its envelope. Then he sat for a long time thinking on what he had read. There was no way of corresponding with Mr. Kyser for a month, and by that time the wrong that the letter spoke of might be past the righting.