"Because I have received a letter which sets the date," and he took
from his pocket a sheet of paper and handed it over to me. "Read it!"

The letter was written in pencil, in a delicate and somewhat feminine
hand, on a sheet of plain, unruled paper. With an astonishment which
increased with every word, I read this extraordinary epistle:--

"_My Dear Mr. Godfrey:_

"I have been highly flattered by your interest in the affaire of
the cabinet Boule, and admire most deeply your penetration in
arriving at a conclusion so nearly correct regarding it. I must
thank you, also, for your kindness in keeping me informed of the
measures which have been taken to guard the cabinet, and which
seem to me very complete and well thought out. I have myself
visited the station and inspected the cell, and I find that in
every detail you were correct.

"It is because I so esteem you as an adversary that I tell you, in
confidence, that it is my intention to regain possession of my
property on Wednesday next, and that, having done so, I shall beg
you to accept a small souvenir of the occasion.

"I am, my dear sir,

"Most cordially yours,

"JACQUES CROCHARD,