"Well, it's a bit too much to be dragged all the way up-town just to listen to a re-hash of yesterday's row," said Evan.
"The situation is entirely changed," said George Deaves mysteriously.
"Well, I don't know anything about that!"
Deaves shoved a letter across his desk towards Evan. Evan read:
"Mrs. George Deaves:
Dear Madam:
I beg to return herewith the $5,000 in marked bills that your husband left for us yesterday. We are too old birds to be caught with such chaff. The story, a copy of which I sent Mr. Deaves yesterday, goes to the Clarion at eleven A.M. to-day for publication in this evening's edition. If you wish to stop it you must persuade Mr. Deaves to find a similar sum in clean straight money before that hour. These bills must be put in an envelope and addressed to Mr. Carlton Hassell at the Barbizon Club, Fifth avenue near Ninth street. Your messenger must simply hand it in at the door and leave. If there is any departure from these instructions the money will not be touched, and the story goes through.
With best wishes,
Yours most sincerely,
THE IKUNAHKATSI."
"Good Heavens!" cried Evan amazed. "Do you mean to say the money was returned?"