Chick read:
“‘A famous judge, having a man brought before him and listening to the charge made against him, asked: “Who is the woman?” If you are wise, you will take this as a pointer for the beginning of your new case.’”
The four detectives looked at each other, and then Nick took from his pocket the letter of warning of the morning, and together they compared the handwriting of the two letters.
“It is the same,” said Nick, positively.
“It was written by the same man,” said Chick.
“It is not the writing of a man, but of a woman,” said Ida.
Nick caught the two letters, and, carrying them to the window, where the light was strong upon them, carefully examined them.
“You are right, Ida,” he said, as he returned to the table. “Though the character of the writing is heavy and masculine, yet it is clear that a female hand wrote both notes.”
Chick took them up again and carefully examined them.
“Ida,” said Chick, “while you are undoubtedly right in this, it would seem to upset your theory that we must look for the reasons of this mysterious disappearance in the life of Ellison in England, prior to his coming to this country.”