Mr.Morton's subsequent life has proved that he had certain expensive, not altogether avowable, tastes.

One day he discovers the old love letters of the 'Comte Armand de la Tremouille.' "Then he lays his plans.

He typewrites a letter, forges the signature of the erstwhile Count, and awaits events.

The fish does rise to the bait.
He gets sundry bits of money, and his success makes him daring.

He looks round him for an accomplice--clever, unscrupulous, greedy--and selects Mr.Edward Skinner, probably some former pal of his wild oats days.
"The plan was very neat, you must confess.