I am compelled-- At that point the letter terminated abruptly.

There was a blot and a smudge.

The pen lay where it seemed to have rolled--on the floor.

The ink was not yet dry.

Francis called to his clerk.
"Angrave," he said, "Mr.Wilmore is not here." The clerk looked around in obvious surprise.
"It isn't five minutes since he came out to my office, sir!" he exclaimed.