"That Judas had written him asking him for an interview."
"Right! How the—no, I won't swear. But how, by all that's sacred, did you find that out?"
"And Judas also said it was about some documents."
"Right again! I believe you are a magician, Fanks."
"Not at all—inductive reasoning."
"I wish you'd stop talking riddles," broke in Roger, irritably, "and tell us what the deuce you mean."
"It won't be very pleasant—to your ears."
"Go on. I know what you're going to say," said Roger, excitedly, "but don't mind me. I'm going to know the truth about this business."
Japix looked at his two guests with astonishment depicted on his broad, good-humoured face, but judged it best to say nothing until Octavius explained matters, which he did speedily.
"My dear Japix," he said, quietly, "there was a packet of letters which Roger obtained from Melstane at Jarlchester and forwarded to Miss Varlins, addressed to her by her first name."