"Can you remember the dates?" asked Tracey. "Both were written on the twenty-third."

"Hum! And posted on the twenty-fourth. Close running, that."

"Only one was posted. That supposed to be an answer from me to Laura."

"And the other was brought by a messenger?" asked Tracey.

"Yes."

"Did you reply to the forged letter?"

"No. Remember I only received it late in the afternoon. Believing it really came from Laura, I thought I would see her quicker than a letter could be delivered."

"Did Miss Mason look at the post-mark?"

"No. She burnt the envelope too."

"That's a pity. We might have found in what district the letter was posted. However, we may learn from the district telegraph office, who gave in the letter to be delivered on the twenty-fourth."