Life and death lay in that white, innocent-looking, unaddressed envelope, danger, peril--it was always life and death, for those were the stakes for which the Tocsin played.
But, master of many things, Jimmie Dale was most of all master of himself.

Not a muscle of his face moved.

He reached nonchalantly for the letter.
"Thank you," said Jimmie Dale.
The man bowed and started away.

Jimmie Dale laid the envelope on the arm of the lounging chair.

The man had reached the door when Jimmie Dale stopped him.
"Oh, by the way," said Jimmie Dale languidly, "where did this come from ?" "Your chauffeur, sir," replied the other.