For once in a way, I had jumped at a conclusion and I had proved to be right.

The handwriting on the letter, and the handwriting of the confession which I had read overnight, were one and the same.
"Are you to wait for an answer ?" I asked, as I opened the envelope.
"I am to wait, sir, if you tell me to do so." The letter was a long one.

After running my eye over the first sentences, I surprised myself by acting discreetly.

"You needn't wait," I said; "I will send a reply." The man of few words raised his shabby hat, turned about in silence, and left me..