'I think Mr.Jones wrote to you about us before,' said Caldigate.
Crinkett read the letter very deliberately.

Perhaps he required time to meditate what his conduct should be.

Perhaps he was not quick at reading written letters.

But at last he got to the end of the very few words which the note contained.

'Jones!' he said, 'Jones wasn't much account when he was out here.' 'We don't know a great deal about him,' said Dick.
'But when he heard that we were coming, he offered us a letter to you,' said Caldigate.