“I fear we are speaking at cross-purposes,” he said, gently. “Forgive me, if I appear to have trespassed upon a subject of which I have no knowledge whatever. I am referring to the telegram received by you yesterday, which led you to suppose the report of Lord Ingleby’s death was a mistake, and that he might shortly be returning home.”
“My husband is alive,” said Lady Ingleby. “He has telegraphed to me from Cairo, and I expect him back very soon.”
For answer, Deryck Brand drew from his pocket-book two telegrams.
“I am bound to tell you at once, dear Lady Ingleby,” he said, “that you have been cruelly deceived. The message from Cairo was a heartless fraud, designed in order to obtain money. Billy Cathcart had reason to suspect its genuineness, and brought it to me. I cabled at once to Cairo, with this result.”
He laid two telegrams on the table before her.
“The first is a copy of one we sent yesterday to a detective out there. The second I received three hours ago. No one—not even Billy—has heard of its arrival. I have brought it immediately to you.”
Lady Ingleby slowly lifted the paper containing the first message. She read it in silence.
Watch Cook’s bank and arrest man personating Lord Ingleby who will call for draft of money. Cable particulars promptly.
The doctor observed her closely as she laid down the first message without comment, and took up the second.
Former valet of Lord Ingleby’s arrested. Confesses to despatch of fraudulent telegram. Cable instructions.