“CHARLES VENTNOR, Esq.
“SIR,—I have your letter of yesterday's date, the contents of which I am at a loss to understand. My solicitors will be instructed to take the necessary measures.”
'Phew What's all this about?' the secretary thought.
“Yours truly....”
“I'll sign.” And the shaky letters closed the page: “SYLVANUS HEYTHORP.”
“Post that as you go.”
“Anything else I can do for you, sir?”
“Nothing, except to let me know if you hear from this fellow.”
When the secretary had gone the old man thought: 'So! The ruffian hasn't called the meeting yet. That'll bring him round here fast enough if it's his money he wants-blackmailing scoundrel!'
“Mr. Pillin, sir; and will you wait lunch, or will you have it in the dining-room?”