It bore the Washington postmark; the note itself was not dated.

It said: "Ash barrel back of lamp post Black horse Alley.

If you are playing square go and set on it to-morrow morning 21st 10.22 not sooner not later wait till I come." The friends cogitated over the note profoundly.

Presently the earl said: "Don't you reckon he's afraid we are a sheriff with a requisition ?" "Why, m'lord ?" "Because that's no place for a seance.

Nothing friendly, nothing sociable about it.