On reference to the checker-board which my friend had sent me, I found
that the word "Lolita" read 31. 34. 31. 24. 44. 11.
These numbers I began to subtract from the first six numbers of the
secret message, but the letters represented by the remaining numbers
were a mere unintelligible jumble. At last, however, after considerable
thought, I tried taking the numbers down the columns:--namely 63. 49.
46. 68. Subtracted by the keyword there remained 32. 15. 15. 44., which
I found on reference to my checker-board was the word "meet."
At last the secret was mine! Very soon I had deciphered the numerals
into this message:--
"_Meet me in the avenue on Monday. Fear nothing. Marie betrayed to
police_.--Lol."
Lolita herself had therefore enticed the unfortunate young man to his
doom.
The very signature "Lol," combined with the fact of the portrait in the
ring, confirmed my suspicion that there was affection between them.