London, S.W.
May 7th.
Capt. O. Pauncefote,
Hôtel du Rhin,
Place Vendôme,
Paris.
Private and Confidential.
Sir,
A week ago you sent us a cheque on Plaisir et Cie for 6,600,000 francs, with instructions to clear at 66 or better and place upon deposit to your account.
Two days ago the rumour that Plaisir et Cie were in difficulties reached me from a very secret but highly reliable source.