They must have realized that such a challenge from them would only arouse the police to renewed activity.

Dynamite or melinite would soon open an entrance to their fortress.

Moreover, how could these men have, themselves, gained entrance into the Eyrie unless there existed a passage which we had failed to discover?
Assuredly the letter came from a jester or a madman; and I need not worry over it, nor even consider it.
Hence, though for an instant I had thought of showing this letter to Mr.Ward, I decided not to do so.

Surely he would attach no importance to it.

However, I did not destroy it, but locked it in my desk for safe keeping.