Page:Chesterton - The Club of Queer Trades.djvu/40

The Club of Queer Trades "The lady was in the conspiracy, of course," said Rupert, nodding.

Major Brown turned brick-red. "I beg your pardon," he said. "I think not."

Rupert raised his eyebrows and looked at him for a moment, but said nothing. When next he spoke he asked:

"Was there anything in the pockets of the coat?"

"There was sevenpence halfpenny in coppers and a threepenny-bit," said the major, carefully; there was a cigarette-holder, a piece of string, and this letter," and he laid it on the table. It ran as follows:

Rupert Grant was leaning forward listening with hawklike eyes. He cut in:

"Is it dated from anywhere?"

"No—oh yes!" replied Brown, glancing 26