There was no longer any use for it and even its existence was now dangerous to Stella.

For let it be discovered, however she might plead that she knew nothing of its contents, a motive for the death of Ballantyne might be inferred from it.

It would be a false motive, but just the sort of motive which the man in the street would immediately accept.

Thresk burnt the letter carefully in a plate and pounded up each black flake of paper until nothing was left but ashes.
Then for the moment his work was done.

He had only to wait and he did not wait long.