CHAPTER VIII.
THE FIRST COUNTER-STROKE Furneaux apparently made up his mind with reference to the contents of a somewhat enigmatic message after one quick, unerring perusal.
"The man who wrote that took a great many things for granted," he said.
"He assumed, firstly, that you knew of Mrs.Lester's death and understood its significance; secondly, that you are aware of the nature of the 'terms' he will offer; thirdly, that you may hesitate between compliance and threatened death.

'Y.

M.,' of course, can be read as 'Young Manchus.' Even there, the writer exhibits artistic reticence....
Frankly, Mr.Forbes, I wish you had come straight to Scotland Yard on Monday evening instead of wasting those precious hours at Daly's Theater." Forbes was moved to energetic protest.
"How was I to deduce the true nature of these hell hounds' mission from a casual glance vouchsafed of one who may or may not be their leader ?" he cried.
"Yet you treated your discovery as serious enough to warrant a prompt visit to the woman with whom association was dangerous ?" "Yes; I wanted to act secretly." "Just so.

You were afraid the police would bungle the job.

Between you and Mr.Theydon, you have exhibited remarkable skill in heading us off the scent.