He took the letter in his hand, and, moving near the grate fire, began to read it. Suddenly the paper as if accidentally, slipped from his fingers, and fell upon the glowing coals—where it was instantly consumed.
"How careless I am!" ejaculated Browning, but there was exultation in the glance.
CHAPTER XLI
MR. BROWNING COMES TO TERMS
The destruction of the letter, and the open exultation of the man who had in intention at least doubly wronged him, did not appear to dismay Luke Walton. He sat quite cool and collected, facing Mr. Browning. "Really, I don't see how this letter happened to slip from my hand," continued the philanthropist. "I am afraid you consider it important."
"I should if it had been the genuine letter," said Luke.
"What!" gasped Browning.
"It was only a copy, as you will be glad to hear."
"Boy, I think you are deceiving me," said Browning, sharply.