Suppose the owner of Adderbury Cottage had committed some crime, the police might even now be there after him. Self-preservation told Edward that he should read the contents of the envelope he held in his hand. Any information that showed light upon the situation it was clearly to his interest to know.
By this time he was walking rapidly down Clay Hill leading to the village of Bushey. He passed through the straggling High Street, past the old church, and descended the further hill into Watford. He was still holding in his hand the letter. At eleven o'clock he entered the smoking-room of the Rose and Crown, and having ordered a small Bass, drew a sheet of paper from the envelope that had been forwarded to Mr. Kyser from his town house in Grosvenor Square.
"19, WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET, "NEW YORK CITY, "U.S.A.
"_You will be surprised to hear from me again after so long a lapse, but many things--ill-health among them--have prevented my travelling to England, although I have promised myself the trip many times in the past few years. And now I feel that I shall never take it, and that the doctor here, who gives me two weeks to live, speaks the truth. Well, I've had a good innings, and, as they say over here, 'there's no kick coming.' I leave only one regret, and it is with regard to this that I venture to write to you. If you would do a dying man a kindness, and at the same time right a wrong, the chance is now yours. My state of health will not allow of my writing my request in full--and I ask you to promise nothing until you know all. This you can do by calling upon Mr. Abraham Nixon,_ 5A, _St. Mary Axe, in the City of London._
"_This gentleman will tell you a story so remarkable that it may seem to you incredible._
"_But it is true every word of it. You will then act as you see fit. But I conjure you, by our past friendship, to do as Mr. Nixon asks._
"_Your_ bonâ fide _will consist of the crest torn from the head of this notepaper, which please send in to Mr. Nixon with these words written on it in red ink--_
"_If you follow these instructions to the letter, Mr. Nixon will at once put you in complete possession of all the facts of the case._
"_With my last breath I shall pray for you and the success of the mission._