“My dear Employer: Please pardon my long silence. The only excuse that I have is that I have been at work, the nature of which you will guess. Enclosed 174 find a valuable paper. I send a messenger to carry it to you that I may know of its safe arrival. You will hear from me again ere long. Until then, trust and believe me your faithful servant,
Paul.”
Scott had read the letter, and as he placed it in the desk before him, the door opened, and Mr. Le Moyne entered the room. Scott gave him a cordial welcome, and Mr. Le Moyne said in a low tone:
“I have had a long and fruitless search. I have been from one end of the city to the other, and I can find nothing satisfactory.”
“I have just now received a letter,” said Scott, “which may be of some use.”
He then handed the letter to Mr. Le Moyne, who examined the paper while a pallor spread over his face, as he said:
“Good Heavens, it is the very same.”
“Are you sure?” Scott asked, starting to his feet.
“As sure as that I live. Here is positive proof,” he said, taking a letter from his pocket and pointing at the bottom.
“Yes, it certainly is,” said Scott. “Well, that is worth a great deal.”
“Yes, providing we can find the balance, and that may be the hardest part.”