He started back, clapping his hand to the breast of his laced coat.

The gesture betrayed where the letter was; I was past prudence; I sprang on him and wrenched his hand away, catching him by the throat with my other hand.

Diving into his pocket, I got the letter.

Then I suddenly loosed hold of him, for his eyes were starting out of his head.

I took out a couple of gold pieces and gave them to him.
"It's urgent, you fool," said I."Hold your tongue about it." And without waiting to study his amazed red face, I turned and ran towards the stable.