“No, no. Give it to me,” replied Sydney quickly.
He took the envelope and the knife Roy handed to him, but his fingers trembled so that he could do nothing.
“I shall have to let you open it after all, Roy,” he said, and handed them both back.
Roy slit the end of the envelope in a second, and once more put it into his brother’s hands. With dilated eyes and breath coming in brief gasps, Sydney drew out the inclosure.
He unfolded it and looked eagerly at the signature.
“I can’t see quite clearly, Rex,” he said after an instant. “Is that Fox signed to this?”
“Yes. Hannah M. Fox.”
“Thank you.” Sydney turned to the front page and began to read. Suddenly he gave a little cry.
“I can’t see the words, Roy,” he said. “Something is the matter with my sight. You will have to read it to me. Never mind if some of the things it says sound strange to you. I will explain them by and by. Here.”
Roy took the letter, and read as follows: