mall beam of light shot suddenly
across the table; and Anstice and Major Carstairs both grasped at the
same moment the significance of the ray.

It was a pocket electric torch, of a kind familiar to thousands
nowadays, whose aid the letter-writer had evoked; and since this
particular one was fitted with a bulb which enabled it to cast a
continuous light without finger-pressure, it was quite effective for the
purpose to which it was now being put.

Having placed the torch on the table in such a position that the ray of
light fell directly across the blotting-pad, the figure made search for
a sheet of paper which suited its mind; and after a moment, a sheet
having been chosen, a pen was selected, dipped into Chloe's own silver
inkstand and a few lines of writing inscribed slowly, and with many
pauses, upon the otherwise unsullied paper.

His heart throbbing wildly, with an excitement quite foreign to his
nature, Anstice watched the performance eagerly through the just-parted
curtains; and so sure was he now of the identity of his quarry that he
was ready to leap from his hiding-place and confront the anonymous
letter-writer without further loss of time, had not a gentle pressure on
his arm restrained him at the critical moment.

It was not safe to speak, since even a whisper might betray their
presence; but Anstice realized Major Carstairs' intention and held
himself in check, though he quivered like a greyhound straining at the
leash, who fears his quarry may escape him if he be not slipped
forthwith.

After what seemed like an hour, but was probably five minutes, the
letter, whatever its nature, was judged complete; and with the same
stealthy but unhurried movements the writer sought and obtained an
envelope from the many which lay ready to hand and slipped the missive
in with deft fingers. An address added, the abominable thing was
complete; and having quietly put everything in order, so that even the
most acute eyes could discover nothing amiss, the writer rose softly
from the chair, and taking up the electric torch extinguished its beam
preparatory to making her exit from the room, which was now in almost
complete darkness.

This was the moment for which Major Carstairs had been waiting.

With a whispered word in Anstice's ear: "The light--quick!" he dashed
aside the curtains and darted out into the room, while Anstice, hastily
obeying orders, rushed to the wall and turned on the electric switch to
such good