He saw the malicious little smile on Milburgh's face and could have struck him down.
"Miss Rider does not wish me to see what is in this case," he said.
"And for an excellent reason," sneered Milburgh.
"Here!" It was the girl's voice, surprisingly clear and steady.

Her shaking hands held the paper she had taken from the wallet and she thrust it toward the detective.
"There is a reason," she said in a low voice.

"But it is not the reason you suggest." Milburgh had gone too far.

Tarling saw his face lengthen and the look of apprehension in his cold blue eyes.

Then, without further hesitation, he opened the paper and read.
The first line took away his breath.
"THE CONFESSION OF ODETTE RIDER." "Good God!" he muttered and read on.