Doubtless it refers to money, as from Mr.Harley's sort it isn't likely to include a woman." Inspector Val was here interrupted by Matzai, who said in excuse that the note he bore was marked "important." "Open it," observed Inspector Val.

"Once in one thousand times a letter marked 'important' is important." Richard cut the envelope with a paper knife and, after silently running the missive up and down, remarked: "This note works into our conversation as though timed to find us together.

I'll read it to you.

It's in French, and if you aren't familiar with that language I'll translate." Inspector Val said that he preferred a translation, and Richard gave him the following.

The address and the entire note were in typewriting: Mr.Storms: Count Storri's hold on Mr.Harley consists in this: Mr.Harley wrote Count Storri's name on five stock certificates aggregating two hundred shares of the Company Provence of Paris, France.