I shall get your letters a post quicker when you are away, and you can telegraph to me freely; whereas, if you telegraphed to Chippenham, whoever received the message there might mention its contents as curious to someone or other, and then, of course, it would become a matter of common gossip." Frank agreed that it would certainly be better, and more bearable than having to answer questions about Bertha to every visitor who called on her.

He crossed that evening to Ostend, and at ten o'clock next morning George Lechmere received the following message: "Make inquiries as to small brigantine that looked like converted yacht: had very large yards on foremast.

I saw her pass Cowes on Tuesday afternoon.

Let Hawkins go to Portsmouth and Southampton.
Find out yourself whether she anchored between Osborne and Ryde.

If not, inquire at Seaview whether she passed there going east.
Telegraph result tomorrow morning to my chambers.