"But that can't be true."
"Saw the letter with my own eyes, Miss Simpson."
"But——"
She looked at Ashe helplessly. Their eyes met—hers wide with perplexity, his bright with the light of comprehension.
"It shows," said Ashe slowly, "that he was in immediate and urgent need of money."
"You bet it does," said Mr. Judson with relish. "It looks to me as though young Freddie had about reached the end of his tether this time. My word! There won't half be a kick-up if she does sue him for breach! I'm off to tell Mr. Beach and the rest. They'll jump out of their skins." His face fell. "Oh, Lord, I was forgetting this note. He told me to take it at once."
"I'll take it for you," said Ashe. "I'm not doing anything."
Mr. Judson's gratitude was effusive.
"You're a good fellow, Marson," he said. "I'll do as much for you another time. I couldn't hardly bear not to tell a bit of news like this right away. I should burst or something."
And Mr. Judson, with shining face, hurried off to the housekeeper's room.