"Yes," said Fanks, eagerly; "go on!"
"I went down to Jarlchester ostensibly on a walking tour, and received a second letter from Judith, telling me Melstane had left Ironfields, and was on his way down. On the day he was expected to arrive, I went for a walk, intending to return early. Unfortunately, however, I lost my way and did not get back until late at night. I found Melstane had arrived and gone to bed."
"Did you ask if Mr. Melstane had arrived?"
"No! I asked casually if a stranger had arrived, and they told me one had come from London, and described him, so of course I knew him at once."
"But why all this mystery?"
"Judith implored me to be careful," said Roger, quickly. "You see Florry's good name was at stake, and I wanted to get the packet of letters back with as little publicity as possible."
"Nevertheless, you rather overdid the mystery business! Well, what did you do when you found Melstane had gone to bed?"
"I went to bed also, and made up my mind to see him the next morning. Thinking of the letters, however, and knowing he was in the next room, I could not sleep, so as it was not then twelve o'clock, I thought I would go in and see him."
"Curious thing to make a visit to a man's room at that time."
"I dare say," replied Axton, tartly; "but you see, I was anxious to get the letters, and knowing that Melstane was a nervous man, particularly at night, I fancied I might get them back by playing on his fears."