You are not to spare it nor any endeavour to prove Harborough's innocence--which is known to the sender.

Whenever further funds are needed, all you need do is to insert an advertisement in the personal column of _The Times_ newspaper in these words: _Highmarket Exchequer needs replenishing_, with your initials added.

Allow me to suggest that you should at once offer a reward of L500 to whoever gives information which will lead to the capture and conviction of the real murderer or murderers.

If this offer fails to bring information speedily, double it.

I repeat that no pains must be spared in this matter, and that money to any amount is no object.
The sender of this letter will keep well informed of the progress of events as narrated in the newspapers, to which you will please to afford all proper information." Brereton read this extraordinary communication through three times; then he replaced letter and bank-notes in the envelope, put the envelope in an inner pocket, left the house, and walking across to the Northrop villa, asked to see Avice Harborough.
Avice came to him in Mrs.Northrop's drawing-room, and Brereton glancing keenly at her as she entered saw that she was looking worn and pale.