ans, boxes, and sundry packages. For a
short moment both regarded in silence this almost incredible display.
Then Pats took up the letter. On the envelope was no address--no name
nor writing whatsoever. He turned it over in his fingers. "I suppose it
is intended for the old gentleman, the owner of the place."

"And how careful they are that nobody shall know his name."

"There must have been several men here to bring up all these provisions,
and whoever left the letter had no intention of giving the old gentleman
away," and Pats tossed the letter upon the table.

Elinor in turn picked it up and looked it over. "I _would_ like to
know what it says."

"So would I," said Pats. "Let's open it."

"Open another man's letter!" And she frowned.

"It may not be a letter. It may be some information as to when they are
coming again, or what he is to do about provisions or something
important for us to know. Our getting away from here may depend on what
is inside that envelope."

"Yes, that is possible."

"Well, open it."

But she handed it back to him. "No, _you_ must do it."

Pats tore open the envelope. Elinor stepped nearer and stood beside him,
that she also might read.

"It is in French." Then he began

"_Monsieur le Duc_--"

"Why, the old gentleman was a duke!" exclaimed Elinor.

"I am not surprised. You know we always suspected him of being a howling
swell. But this writing and the language are too much for me. You really
must read it." And he put the paper in her hands.

Elinor's French was perfect, but after the first sentence Pats
interrupted:

"Translate as you go along. It is too important to take chances with,
and I never was at home in that deceitful tongue."

Elinor dropped into the chair that stood beside her. Pats sat upon the
edge of the table.

Monsieur Le Duc:

It is with a grand regret that I find myself unable to pay my
respects in person to your Grace, but a broken ankle keeps me a
prisoner in the cabin. If there is anything your Grace wishes to
communicate, have the extreme goodness to send me a note by the
bearer. He can be trusted. I leave the stores following last
instructions. Enclosed is the list. The bearer will bring to me
your new list from behind the door, if by chance you are not at
home.

Your Grace's devoted servitor,
Jacques Lafenestre.

She laid the letter on t