It lay awaiting him upon the breakfast table next morning, and it sent the heart into his mouth as he read it, and caused him to spring up from his chair with a white face and staring eyes.
"My boy! My boy!" "I am ruined, mother--ruined!" He stood gazing wildly in front of him, while the sheet of paper fluttered down on the carpet.

Then he dropped back into the chair, and sank his face into his hands.

His mother had her arms round him in an instant, while the Admiral, with shaking fingers, picked up the letter from the floor and adjusted his glasses to read it.
"My DEAR DENVER," it ran.

"By the time that this reaches you I shall be out of the reach of yourself or of any one else who may desire an interview.

You need not search for me, for I assure you that this letter is posted by a friend, and that you will have your trouble in vain if you try to find me.