"How did you receive them, Captain Billington-Smith?"
"Oh, most thankfully!" replied Francis.
"I am afraid you don't understand me," said Harding, a hint of steel in his pleasant voice. "I will put it quite plainly. Through what medium did you receive the notes?"
"The medium of the post," answered Francis.
"Registered post?"
"No, in a plain envelope."
"Did it not strike you as strange that your uncle should send such a considerable sum to you in that manner?"
"To tell you the truth, Inspector, I was too much taken up with the contents to think about the envelope."
Fay spoke, in a queer, harsh voice. "Arthur would never have done such a thing! I know he wouldn't. I am positive that he wouldn't."
"My very dear Fay," said Francis silkily, "you mustn't think I don't appreciate your motive, but in your anxiety to lead suspicion away from Stephen you mustn't overdo it, you know. You will only defeat your own ends."