“ ‘I daresay the danger is imaginary; but I shall feel more at ease when he has quitted my service.’ ”

“ ‘I daresay the danger is imaginary; but I shall feel more at ease when he has quitted my service.’ ”

Egbert paused for a moment at the conclusion of the extract; then, as his uncle made no remark, he added: “If lack of motive was the only factor that saved Sebastien from prosecution I fancy this letter will put a different complexion on matters.”

“Have you shown it to anyone else?” asked Sir Lulworth, reaching out his hand for the incriminating piece of paper.

“No,” said Egbert, handing it across the table, “I thought I would tell you about it first. Heavens, what are you doing?”