"Great God!" he exulted. "Same paper—same handwriting—and it says just what I expected—and signed 'De Crécy'!"
He held out the letter to Matilda.
"Of course, you identify this as the letter you found?"
But Matilda shrank away as though the letter was deadly poison.
"I never saw the thing before!"
"What's that?" cried the detective.
"She's trying to hold out for more money," explained Mr. Pyecroft. From behind the detective's broad back he gave Matilda a warning look; then said softly: "Of course, it's the letter, isn't it, sister?"
Matilda thought only of saving the hour. The day would have to save itself.
"Yes," she said.
"Might—might I see it?" huskily inquired Mrs. De Peyster.