wn-paper parcel from the seat beside
him--"containing the articles I have mentioned, was placed in my hands
just as I came to this meeting. I have not even examined them myself,
so that I am sure you will do me the credit of believing that when I
place them just as they are in your hands, Mr Chairman, I cannot be
charged with having tampered with my evidence in any way."

Here he handed the parcel up to Mr Roe, amid dead silence.

"Had you not better open it yourself?" asked the chairman, who evidently
did not like the business.

"No, sir; I request you will do so, and that Mr Railsford will confront
the contents first in your hands, not mine."

"There is a letter here addressed to you," said Mr Roe.

"Please read that also," said Mr Bickers, declining to take it.

Mr Roe knitted his brow and tore open the envelope.

His brows went up with a start as his eyes fell on the opening words.
He read the letter through, and then, turning to Mr Bickers, said,
"This letter is not intended for reading aloud, Mr Bickers."

"Yes it is. I insist on your reading it, Mr Chairman."

"If you insist, I will do it; but I think you would be wiser to put it
in your pocket."

"Read it, Mr Chairman," repeated Mr Bickers excitedly.

Mr Roe accordingly read, in a voice which betrayed some emotion:--

"`Sir,-- I'm a cad, and a liar and a thief. Don't believe a word I say.
You can tell anyone you like; most of them know already.

"`Yours truly,

"`Jerry Sneak.'"

The effect of the letter may be more easily imagined than expressed.
The audience received it first with astonishment, then with
consternation, and finally, as the light dawned in on their minds, with
laughter. Railsford alone looked serious and bewildered.

As for Mr Bickers, his face turned white, and he looked for a moment as
if he would spring at Mr Roe's throat. He snatched the letter from the
chairman's hand and looked at it, and then stared round him, on the
amused faces of his colleagues.

"You have been hoaxed, I fear," said Mr Roe.

Mr Bickers said nothing, but pointed to the parcel.

"Am I to open it?" asked the chairman.

"Yes, yes!" said the master hoarsely.

Mr Roe obeyed, and disclosed the turf amid another general laugh, in
which all but Railsford and Mr Bickers joined.

The latter had by this time lost his self-control. He glared round him
like a baited animal, and then, rounding suddenly on Railsford,
exclaimed, "This is your doing! You