Neville reached out his hand for the letter, and bending near the lantern broke the seal and read,—
"I am sure, sir, you will be glad to know that there are those who believe in your innocence and will do all they can to establish it. My position is a delicate one, for I can neither thwart those in power, nor openly act against them; but what I can do I will, and meanwhile should you by any chance reach Kent Island you may find a refuge and a shelter."
The note had neither beginning nor end.
"I thank you!" said Neville aloud, as if the writer of the note were near; and may not souls draw near as well as bodies?
Philpotts hearing his voice turned back.
"Was it good news?" he asked.
"The best."
"Will it help ye?"
"Ay, on the scaffold itself."