Captain Francis Newcombe chuckled.
"That's about a hen Runnells ran over a month or so ago. Extremely valuable fowl! Poultry show stock, and all that, you know. What has the price risen to now?"
Paul Cremarre tore the letter open.
"Two pounds, ten and six," he said.
"Still much too cheap!" grinned Captain Francis Newcombe. "The man is simply robbing himself. Chuck it away before Runnells sees it. He could have settled for a pound three weeks ago. What's next?"
The Frenchman examined another envelope.
"City letter again," he said. "From 'The Sabbath House.'"
"Ah, yes!" said Captain Francis Newcombe gravely. "Most worthy object. Gave 'em ten quid last month. A mission down in Whitechapel, you know. Elevation of the unelevated, and all that. Shocking conditions! I must see that your name goes on that list."
"Shall I tear it up?" drawled the Frenchman.
"Yes," said Captain Newcombe.