There was no writing upon it. The paper was perfectly blank.
“This complicates matters,” he said, turning to me. “The unknown lady who had made the appointment at King’s Cross evidently wished for an answer in the affirmative or negative. This was the latter. A blank sheet of paper, denoting that there was nothing to add.”
“Extraordinary!” I ejaculated. Then addressing Ash, I asked: “When you left your master what was he doing?”
“Sitting at the table, sir. He had his cheque-book open, for just before I went out he gave me a cheque for my month’s wages. They were overdue a week, and I was hard up; so I asked for them.”
“Did he hesitate to give you them, or did he make any remarks to lead you to think he was financially embarrassed?” I inquired.
“Not at all, sir. He had forgotten, and added an extra sovereign because he had kept me waiting. My master always had plenty of money, sir.”
“Do you remember him going to Monte Carlo?” I asked.
“No, sir. Once I heard him tell Captain Hamilton that he’d been there, but it isn’t since I’ve been employed by him.”
“How long is that?”
“Nine years next May, sir.”