"No, sir; not a clue this time. Clues are very good things when you have nothing to go on. We're bound to have a clue in a few hours, it's the privilege of our profession."
"I know," said Cheyne, "a kind of perquisite."
"In a way, sir, a kind of perquisite; or, if you like it better, the flash note by which we work our confidence-trick."
"Well, Mr. Bracken, you are very candid, and from your candour I assume you have a genuine note for me in this case."
The detective took out a large pocket-book, and having drawn a letter from it, handed the letter to Cheyne, saying:
"That's a genuine note, sir."
Cheyne took the letter out of the envelope and read:
"8, Garthorne Street,
"Kennington Road.
"Sir,