ul of the person who
presented the cheque, had required him to write his name on the back;
and the fictitious signature "A. Robinson" was accordingly given in
Masham's hand.

"That seems clear," said the detective.

"I see," said Mr Barnacle, looking again at the envelope I had given
him, "this letter is addressed to the place where Smith lives. Is
Masham a friend of Smith or his family?"

"Would you mind reading the letter, sir?" I said; "that will answer the
question better than I can."

Mr Barnacle did so, and Mr Merrett also.

In the midst of my trouble it was at least a satisfaction to see the
look of disgust which came into both their faces as they perused its
contents.

"A dastardly letter!" said Mr Merrett. "How came Masham to know of
Smith's private affairs?"

"Hawkesbury overheard Smith and me talking of them on the first occasion
that we found him here, and must have told Masham, who had a grudge
against Smith."

"You heard, of course, that Hawkesbury included Smith as well as
yourself in his accusation?"

"Yes, I did. And I wish he was here to confirm my denial of it. What
happened was--"

"Yes," said Mr Barnacle, "you need not go into that again. But answer
one more question, Batchelor. Are you acquainted with Masham?"

"Slightly. I once was introduced to him by Hawkesbury and spent a day
with him."

"Have you any reason to believe he is a swindler?"

"I know of nothing which would warrant me in saying so," replied I.

"Do you know whether Hawkesbury owes him money?"

"Yes--at least I have been told so."

"By whom?"

"By a boy--a shoeblack who--"

"A shoeblack!" exclaimed Mr Merrett. "Is that your only authority?"

"I believe he is honest," I said; "he overheard a conversation between
Masham and a friend, in which Masham mentioned that Hawkesbury owed him
L15."

"Really," said Mr Merrett, "this is almost absurd to take such
testimony as that."

"It wouldn't be amiss to see the boy, though," said Mr Barnacle; "a
great deal depends on whether or no Hawkesbury owed money to Masham.
Where is this boy to be found?"

"Oh, I could fetch him at once. I know where he works," I said.

"No," said Mr Barnacle, "you must stay here. Doubleday can go." And
he touched the bell.

"Doubleday," he said, when that youth entered, "we want you to bring
here a shoeblack."

"Yes, sir," said Doubleday, artlessly: "will any one do?"

"No, no," said Mr Barnacle, "the boy we wish to se