I shall be there at eleven o'clock, and, if you want to preserve your life, you had better bring me a substantial instalment." It was signed "Vassalaro." John read the letter aloud.

"He must be mad to write a letter like that," he said; "I'll meet the little devil and teach him such a lesson in politeness as he is never likely to forget." He handed the letter to the other and Kara read it in silence.
"Better take your revolver," he said as he handed it back.
John Lexman looked at his watch.
"I have an hour yet, but it will take me the best part of twenty minutes to reach the Eastbourne Road." "Will you see him ?" asked Kara, in a tone of surprise.
"Certainly," Lexman replied emphatically: "I cannot have him coming up to the house and making a scene and that is certainly what the little beast will do." "Will you pay him ?" asked Kara softly.
John made no answer.

There was probably 10 pounds in the house and a cheque which was due on the morrow would bring him another 30 pounds.
He looked at the letter again.

It was written on paper of an unusual texture.

The surface was rough almost like blotting paper and in some places the ink absorbed by the porous surface had run.