This appeared to be no elucidation to Mr. Chandos.
"Will you tell me what its contents were?"
"We got but one, sir. It requested two or three of us to be here to-night, mounted. It intimated that the thief, who has been playing tricks in your house, was discovered, and would be given up to us. Our inspector wondered why we were wanted to come mounted."
Oh, the change that fell over the face of Mr. Chandos! the eager light of hope, the vivid rush of renewed colour! It was as one awakening from death to life.
"Gentlemen," he said with a smile, as he pointed to seats, "I fear a trick has been played upon you. I have not written to your inspector, and most certainly possess as yet, no clue to the parties who have been so disagreeably busy at Chandos."
They seemed hardly to believe him. For my own part I could scarcely tell what was real, what not.
"But you must not go back without refreshment, although you have had a useless ride," concluded Mr. Chandos, when some further explanation had passed. "It shall be brought in at once," he added, ringing for Hickens. "And this young lady," looking at me then, "will obligingly see the housekeeper and bid her hasten it."
I obeyed the look and followed him into the hall. Hickens was there.
"Supper, Hickens. These gentlemen will take some before their departure. Bring the best of what you have, and be quick over it."
Hickens moved away with alacrity: the word "departure" had reassured him, and also seemed to afford hope that his curiosity would be satisfied. Mr. Chandos caught my hand and drew me through the door to the foot of the stairs. His own hand was trembling, and cold as ice: unconsciously, I think, to himself, he laid it on my shoulder, and spoke in the gentlest whisper.