Folded in this was a thin slip of foreign paper, on which were traced
these lines:--


'_Private._

'DEAR LARKIN,--Don't funk the interview with the beast Lake--a hyaena has
no pluck in him. When he reads what I send him by your hand, he'll be as
mild as you please. Parkes must act for me as usual--no bluster about
giving up. Lake's afraid of yours,

'M. W.'


Within was what he called his 'notice' to Stanley Lake, and it was thus
conceived:--


'_Private._

'DEAR LAKE--I understand you are trying to make all safe for next
election in Dollington or the county. Now, understand at once, that _I
won't permit that_. There is not a country gentleman on the grand jury
who is not your superior; and there is no extremity I will not make you
feel--and you know what I mean--if you dare despise this first and not
unfriendly warning.

'Yours truly,

'MARK WYLDER.'