"What's this?" asked Tony, picking up the note.
"I believe it is a communication from Bugg, Sir Antony. Mrs. Spalding brought it round."
Tony turned to his cousin. "You might go down and kiss Henry, will you, Guy?" he said. "I will be with you in a second."
Guy left the room, and tearing open the envelope, Tony took out the letter inside. It was written in a sprawling, illiterate hand, and beautifully innocent of either stops or capitals.
sir i and the young lady come home safe but i spotted one of them forin blokes hanging round the corner of the street so i says to meself I'd better stop here till i heres from you becos i think he may be after the young lady and Mrs S. says its all rite and i can sleep in the kitchin and hoping i done rite your obedient servent tiger bugg the young lady didnt spot the bloke.
Tony read this interesting missive through with extreme care and then looked up at the expressionless face of Spalding.
"For various reasons," he said, "it would be very convenient if Bugg could sleep at your house for the next day or so. I suppose you would have no objection if your wife approved?"
"None at all, Sir Antony," replied Spalding. "I make it a point never to object to anything of which Mrs. Spalding approves."
Tony regarded him thoughtfully. "I should imagine you were a most considerate husband, Spalding," he said.
"Yes, sir," said Spalding. "My wife sees to that, sir."