“If you cannot find Daly, you must bring the first back to me.  When do you sail?”

“I don’t know yet; I haven’t looked up the steamship companies’ notices,” Foster answered, and as soon as he had spoken saw that he had made a mistake.

He had led Graham to believe he was going at once; indeed, this was his excuse for offering to take a message, but he remembered that in order to get a good room on a fast boat it was necessary to book one’s passage some time in advance.  He thought Graham had marked the slip, although his face was expressionless.

“I don’t want the letters carried about for long,” he said.

“Certainly not,” Foster agreed.  “If I’m delayed, or can’t get hold of Daly as soon as I thought, I’ll bring them back.  However, I’ve kept you from your business and must get off.”

Graham did not move, and the letters were out of Foster’s reach.

“You have got your instructions from Gascoyne and know what to do if you have any trouble on your journey?”

Foster felt embarrassed.  He did not know if Gascoyne was the man he had gone to in Edinburgh, and durst not risk a fresh mistake.  Besides, it was possible that there was not such a person among the other’s friends and the question was a trap.

“No,” he said boldly.  “I can get all the instructions that are needful when I meet Daly.  Give me the letters.”

“I think not.  It would be better to wait until we hear what Gascoyne has to say, since you haven’t seen him as I thought.  He may have something to send with the other documents.  Suppose you come back about this time to-morrow.”

Foster feared he was found out, and imagined that if he agreed, he would find the office closed and Graham gone; unless perhaps the fellow waited for him with one or two of his accomplices.  Foster was certain he had accomplices.  He knew he was playing a dangerous game, but he carried Alice Featherstone’s glove and meant to get the letters.

“No,” he said.  “I’m willing to do you a favor, particularly as I want something to show my friends in Canada that I brought the packet safe.  But I’m not going to put myself to much inconvenience.  You have written the letters.  Let me have them; I must catch my train.”

He put his hand on the Browning pistol and was glad to feel it there, though he hardly thought he would be forced to draw it.  He was physically stronger than Graham, but it had come to a trial of nerve and he knew he had a cunning antagonist.  Besides, he could not tell how much longer they would be left alone and he might be in serious danger if somebody else came in.  Still, he must not look anxious and quietly fixed his eyes on Graham’s face.

“I can’t take the risk,” the latter declared.  “Will you wait until I see if I can get Gascoyne on the telephone?”

The telephone was in the other office and Foster durst not let the man out of his sight.