"Then Burgh told a lie," said Rupert.
Lo-Keong opened his mouth to speak, but before he could do so, Mrs. Ainsleigh entered with a sheet of foolscap in her hand. "I beg your pardon for interrupting you gentlemen," she said excitedly, "but here is something you should know. Rupert," she turned to her husband and thrust the paper into his hand. "It's from Dr. Forge."
"What?" cried Ainsleigh astonished. "Has he dared to write?"
"Yes, and he writes to some purpose. Read it out Rupert. I am sure the Marquis and Mr. Rodgers will be glad to hear."
"If it bears on the case," hesitated the detective.
"It does," answered Olivia seating herself, "listen."
Rupert glanced at the heading of the letter. "He gives London as his address," he said, "so he apparently is afraid of being caught."
"Read, dear," said Mrs. Ainsleigh impatiently.
Thus adjured Rupert began. "My dear Mrs. Ainsleigh," said Forge in his communication, "I write to you rather than your husband, as I think you will judge me fairer than he will."
"As if I could," put in Mrs. Ainsleigh impatiently.