"I have the honour to be,
"P. Blinders,
"Acting-Secretary to General
"Brounckers."
"By the Living Tinker!" exploded Bingo.
"Don't be prodigal of emotion," the Colonel's quiet voice warns the excited husband. "There are two more letters following. Read 'em in the proper sequence. That one with the inky design at the top, that might be the pattern for a pair of fancy pyjamas—that's the next."
Bingo reads as follows:
"Kink's Hotel,
"Tweipans,
"November 28th.
"To the Colonel Commanding H. M. Forces in Gueldersdorp.
"Sir,—I beg to report myself arrived at Tweipans. I have the honour to enclose herewith a sketch-plan of the village and the disposition of General Brounckers' laager. Trusting you may find it useful,
"I have the honour to be,
"On Secret Service,
"Yours most obediently,
"H. Wrynche."
The sarcastic P. Blinders had appended an italicised comment: