The papers were on the table. The revolver was beside them. Ferret went through the window. He was barely on the floor when Delmar turned. Seeing the invader, with his eyes toward the gun on the desk, the old man showed surprising alacrity. He sprang forward to grasp the revolver, but Ferret beat him to the weapon by a foot.
Delmar, slipping, swung wide with one hand, while the other sought to catch Ferret's arm. The two men were almost upon one another. As Delmar's head came forward, Ferret, with calculating skill, pressed the revolver close to Delmar's temple and fired.
The bullet entered the banker's brain. Roland Delmar toppled to the floor. Calmly, Ferret drew a handkerchief from his pocket, and wiped the handle of the revolver. He stepped around the desk to where Delmar was lying, and placed the gun in Delmar's outstretched hand. Ferret did not forget the note which Delmar had written. But instead of seizing it and fleeing, the crafty little man deliberately pushed the papers side by side upon the table and quickly read the writing.
On the first page, Ferret read this accusation:
To the State Bank Examiner: The affairs of the County National Bank have reached their present precarious situation because of a deliberate plot on the part of a man unfriendly to our institution. I accuse David Traver, president of the Middletown Trust Company, of having furthered this plot. I positively believe that the strange removal of funds from our institution is connected with the scheme to ruin the County National Bank. I am sending you this letter so that you may have full information in advance. Because of my inability to prevent the terrible crisis which is now impending —
The letter was continued on the second page. Ferret picked up the incomplete sentence and read as follows:
I have contemplated suicide and even now am not sure that I can withhold my desire to end my own life. My pride sustains me, but it may weaken. It may be that the County National Bank has been robbed by some employee in whom we have placed mistaken trust. I have not neglected my duty on this point. Through Mr. Wellington, the investigator, and Mr. Salisbury, my chief cashier, I have sought to learn the truth of the matter. Roland Delmar.
Butcher was hissing from the window. It was time to be going. The big man could not understand why Ferret was tarrying. There was a servant on the third floor of the house; and the shot must have been heard.
"Come along!" exclaimed Butcher in a low voice. "Grab those papers!" Ferret picked up one sheet. He hastened to the window and sprang out to join Butcher. Together, they scurried across the dry lawn and scrambled over a fence.
"What were you waiting for?" growled Butcher.