But, thought Jefferson, why should he spoil a good thing?
He could afford to wait a day or two.

There was no hurry.

He could allow Bagley to think all was going swimmingly and then uncover the plot at the eleventh hour.

He would even let this letter go to Kate, there was no difficulty in procuring another envelope and imitating the handwriting--and when Bagley was just preparing to go to the rendezvous he would spring the trap.

Such a cad deserved no mercy.