in a different hand and ink, that are underlined at the bottom,
and tell me what you think of 'em."

Bingo obeyed, and read:

"_Lady's information perfectly correct. We hope this
intelligence will reach you in time to be useful._

"_I have the honour to be,_
"P. BLINDERS,
"_Acting-Secretary to General_
"_Brounckers._"

"By the Living Tinker!" exploded Bingo.

"Don't be prodigal of emotion," the Colonel's quiet voice warns the
excited husband. "There are two more letters following. Read 'em in the
proper sequence. That one with the inky design at the top, that might be
the pattern for a pair of fancy pyjamas--that's the next."

Bingo reads as follows:

"KINK'S HOTEL,
"TWEIPANS,
"_November 28th_.

_"To the Colonel Commanding H. M. Forces in Gueldersdorp._

"SIR,--I beg to report myself arrived at Tweipans. I have
the honour to enclose herewith a sketch-plan of the village
and the disposition of General Brounckers' laager. Trusting
you may find it useful,

"I have the honour to be,
"On Secret Service,
"Yours most obediently,
"H. WRYNCHE."

The sarcastic P. Blinders had appended an italicised comment:

"_His Honour considers the above sketch-plan remarkably
faithful. The building next the Gerevormed Kerk, indicated
by an X, is the gaol. Comfortable cells at your disposal,
which we are keeping vacant._

"P. BLINDERS."

"D-a-a----"

The Chief does not happen to be looking Bingo's way as the infuriated
husband menaces with a large clenched fist an imaginary countenance
attached to the conjectural personality of the sportive P. Blinders.

"Swear--it will bring the blood down from your head," advises the dry,
quiet voice. "But don't tear up the papers!--they're too amusing to lose."

"Amusin'!" growls Bingo, with smarting eyes, and a lumpy throat, and a
tingling in his large muscles which P. Blinders, being out of reach, can
afford to provoke. "You wouldn't think it amusin', sir, if it were your
wife, making herself a--a figure of fun for those Dutch bounders to shy
at."

This is the third letter:

"_December 23rd._

"_To the Colonel Commanding, Gueldersdorp._

"SIR,--I have to report that the sortie you have planned to
take place on the morning of the 26th, for the capture of
the enemy's big gun, is known to General Brounckers, and
that the menaced position will be strengthened and manned to