The individual in question had made certain demands, of which she kept me in ignorance as long as she could, not wishing to unnecessarily worry me.

At last she decided to place the whole matter before me, and I agreed with her that it would be best to satisfy the man's demands.
"'"I then wrote to that individual whose name I do not wish to disclose, addressing the letter, as my wife directed me to do, to the Brighton post office, saying that I was ready to pay the L10,000 to him, at any place or time and in what manner he might appoint.

I received a reply which bore the Brighton postmark, and which desired me to be outside Furnival's, the drapers, in West Street, at 9.30 on the morning of March 17th, and to bring the money (L10,000) in Bank of England notes.
"'"On the 16th my wife gave me a cheque for the amount and I cashed it at her bank--Bird's in Fleet Street.

At half-past nine the following morning I was at the appointed place.

An individual wearing a grey overcoat, bowler hat, and red tie accosted me by name and requested me to walk as far as his lodgings in the King's Parade.