f it was well-known to him.

"_Dear Madam_,

"_A letter addressed to you, and in the handwriting of a
certain Major Charles Peyton, has come into our hands within
the last few hours. It is dated from the Army and Navy Club,
and its postmark is June 1st. The contents are probably
well-known to you._

"_It is our wish to return same into your hands at once, but
we may say that it was handed to us in trust by a gentleman
who is indebted to us for a considerable sum of money and he
spoke of this document, which we did not inspect at the
time, as being a probable form of security._

"_Perhaps your ladyship can suggest some means by which we
might be able to hand over the letter to you without
breaking faith with our friend._

"_Sincerely yours_,
"_Jacobson & Co.--Agents._

"_17, Charing Cross Road._"

"A distinct attempt at blackmail!" Saton exclaimed, indignantly.

"Isn't it wicked?" Lady Mary replied, looking at him appealingly. "But
how am I to deal with it? What am I to do? I don't wish to correspond
with these people, and I daren't tell Henry a thing about it."

"Naturally," he answered. "My dear Lady Mary, there are two courses
open to you. First, you can take this letter to the police, when you
will get your own letter back without paying a penny, and these
rascals will be prosecuted. The only disadvantage attached to this
course is that your name will appear in the papers, and the letter
will be made public."

"You must see," she declared, "that that is an absolute impossibility.
My husband would be furious with me, and so would Major Peyton. Please
suggest something else."

"Then, on the other hand," he continued, "the only alternative course
is to make the best bargain you can with the scoundrels who are
responsible for this."

"But how can I?" she asked plaintively. "I cannot go to see these
people, nor can I have them come here. I don't know how much money
they want. You know I haven't a penny of my own, and although my
husband is generous enough, he likes to know what I want money for. I
have spent my allowance for the whole of the year already. I believe I
am even in debt."

Saton hesitated for several moments. Lady Mary watched him all the
time anxiously.

"If you will allow me," he said, "I will take this letter away with
me, and see these people on your behalf. I have n