“Hallo! what a budget!” cried the Major. “Who can have sent these?”
He opened the letter first, a business-like looking document, and read:—
“Draper’s Buildings, E.C., August 18—.
“To Major Gurdon, The Cottage, Blinkdale Tor.
“Dear Sir,—As we have frequently done business for you, we esteem it our duty to let you know of the very great fall which has taken place in the mining shares which—as you will remember in opposition to our advice—were bought by you a short time since. We send herewith seven of the daily papers that you may see how serious the business is, and we should strongly advise you either to come up and confer with us, or to telegraph your instructions.
“Of course there may be nothing in these reports, but we felt that an old client residing in so remote a part of England, where he might not hear of the rumour, ought to be advised.
“We are, your obedient servants,—
“Caley and Bland.”
The Major groaned.
“Father, dear, is it very bad news?” cried Dinah, rising to go to his side.