"
He had the paper in his hand by now. The lawyer made a movement to take
it. Then he restrained himself.
"Tell me, first," he said.
"Well, sir," said George, with a pardonable satisfaction in spinning the
matter out, "one was all covered with notes, and was headed 'Padley.' I
read that through, sir. It had to do with the buildings and the acres,
and so forth. The second paper I could make nothing out of; it was in
cypher, I think. The third paper was the same; and the fourth, sir, was
that which I have here."
The lawyer started.
"But I told you--"
"Yes, sir; I should have said that this is the copy--or, at least, an
abstract. I made the abstract by the window, sir, crouching down so that
none should see me. Then I put all back as before, and came out again;
the fellow was fast asleep against the door."
"And Topcliffe--"
"Mr. Topcliffe, sir, returned half an hour afterwards in company again
with Mr. Hamilton. I waited a few minutes to see that all was well, and
then I came to you, sir."
There was silence in the little room for a moment. It was the small back
office of Mr. Biddell, where he did his more intimate business, looking
out on to a paved court. The town was for the most part asleep, and
hardly a sound came through the closed windows.
Then the lawyer turned and put out his hand for the paper without a
word. He nodded to George, who went out, bidding him good-night.
* * * * *
Ten minutes later Mr.
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