M.is pleased to inform James Creighton Forbes that Mrs.Forbes is a prisoner, and will remain, without food or drink and unable to move, in an empty house until Y.M.'s demands are granted." His face was white with fury while he read, and his fingers moved convulsively as if he could feel them twining around Wong Li Fu's throat.

The other men maintained a sympathetic silence.

They understood why that ghastly message had been withheld from the cognizance of the lady who had just quitted them.
"It was delivered by a messenger boy shortly before you arrived, Theydon," said Forbes, when his passion had subsided and he could trust his voice again.
"Have you informed Scotland Yard ?" said Theydon.
"No.

I dared not use the telephone.

I could not leave my wife.