"When did you see Mr. Vassalaro last?" asked T. X. pleasantly.

Kara raised his eyes as though considering.

"I think it must have been nearly a week ago."

"Think again," said T. X.

For a second the Greek started and again relaxed into a smile.

"I am afraid," he began.

"Don't worry about that," said T. X.,"but let me ask you this
question. You were here last night when Mr. Lexman received a
letter. That he did receive a letter, there is considerable
evidence," he said as he saw the other hesitate, "because we have
the supporting statements of the servant and the postman."

"I was here," said the other, deliberately, "and I was present
when Mr. Lexman received a letter."

T. X. nodded.

"A letter written on some brownish paper and rather bulky," he
suggested.

Again there was that momentary hesitation.

"I would not swear to the color of the paper or as to the bulk of