The Colonel chuckled over this letter; nevertheless it was against his
code to send it, but Letty was firm, and Tom Battercake was despatched
for the second time that day to Shrewsbury, with an important
communication.
Letty was radiant with triumph. It was no mean victory to achieve over
Mr. Romaine.
“And if he reads between the lines he will see that he won’t be here
with those sharp black eyes and that cackling laugh of his when it
comes to disposing of his property,” she gleefully remarked to the
Colonel.
But her triumph only lasted until Tom Battercake’s return. He brought
the following letter from Mr. Romaine: