Then I shall call at Chatwood's; and I shall return here as soon as possible.

I suppose I may take it, miss, that I may put up here for a day or two, if required.

It may be some help, or possibly some comfort to you, if I am about, until we unravel this mystery." "I shall be very grateful to you." He looked keenly at her for a few seconds before he spoke again.
"Before I go have I permission to look about your Father's table and desk?
There might be something which would give us a clue--or a lead at all events." Her answer was so unequivocal as almost to surprise him.
"You have the fullest possible permission to do anything which may help us in this dreadful trouble--to discover what it is that is wrong with my Father, or which may shield him in the future!" He began at once a systematic search of the dressing-table, and after that of the writing-table in the room.

In one of the drawers he found a letter sealed; this he brought at once across the room and handed to Miss Trelawny.
"A letter--directed to me--and in my Father's hand!" she said as she eagerly opened it.

I watched her face as she began to read; but seeing at once that Sergeant Daw kept his keen eyes on her face, unflinchingly watching every flitting expression, I kept my eyes henceforth fixed on his.