160 WYLDER'S HAJVD.
I
will be so kind as to send me the envelope of his letter,
which, by its postmark, may possibly throw some light, or
hint some theory as to his possible movements. He is very
clever; and having taken this plan of concealing his resi-
dence, will conduct it skilfully. If the case were mine, I
should be much tempted to speak with the detective au-
thorities, and try whether they might not give their as-
sistance, of course without eclat. But this is, I am aware,
open to objection, and, in fact, would not be justifiable,
except under the very peculiar urgency of the case.
"Will you be so good as to say what you think upon
this point; also, to instruct me what you authorise me to
say should I be fortunate enough to meet him. At present
I am hardly in a position to say more than an acquain-
tance — never, I fear, very cordial on his part would
allow; which, of course, could hardly exceed a simple
mention of your anxiety to be placed in communication
with him.
"If I might venture to suggest, I really think a per-
emptory alternative should be presented to him. Writing,
however, in ignorance of what may since have passed at
Brandon, I may be assuming a state of things which,
possibly, no longer exists. Pray understand that in any
Way you please to employ me, I am entirely at your com-
mand. It is also possible, though I hardly hope it, that I
may be able to communicate something definite by this
evening's post.
Whatever may be the cause of Mark Wylder's present
line of conduct, it appears to me that if he really did
attend that meeting at the "Millers' Hall," there cannot
be anything very serious weighing upon his spirits. My
business will detain me here, I rather think, three days
longer."
By return of post Lord Chelford wrote to Stanley
Lake :—