“J. Edward Bingham, Esq.,” ran the address.
Pulling out a leaf of the desk, Nick picked up a pearl paper cutter and ran the edge around under the flap.
Then he took out the folded sheet and read as follows:
“Dear Bingham: Called away and cannot meet you and Cooper at ten this morning. Yasmar found it impossible to come, but will meet you at another place to-night, and deal will then be consummated. Bring your certified checks to my house at eight this evening, and I will take you to the place where Yasmar is to be waiting.
“Montgomery.”
Picking up a blank sheet of paper, Nick took a pen and wrote another letter.
It was slightly different from Montgomery’s.
He made no attempt to imitate Montgomery’s handwriting, nor did he sign Montgomery’s name.
Experience assured him that receiving the communication from Miss Lansing, and in Montgomery’s house, would make the letter plausible enough for the purpose.
“Dear Bingham: Called away and cannot meet you and Cooper at ten this morning. Deal is off for to-day. Return by first train to Boston and wait there until Yasmar and I come.”