investigate. But before he had time to take this step, an occurrence took
place to arrest his proceedings. It was the receipt of a foreign letter,
of which the following is an exact copy:--


'VENICE: March 28.

'DEAR LARKIN,--I read a rumour of a dissolution during the recess. Keep a
bright look out. Here's three things for you:--

'1. Try and get Tom Wealdon. He is a _sina que non_. [Mark's Latin was
sailor-like.]

'2. Cash the enclosed order for 150_l._ more, for _the same stake_.

'3. Tell Martin the tiles I saw in August last will answer for the
cow-house; and let him put them down at once.

'In haste,

'Yours truly,

'M. WYLDER.'


Enclosed was an order on Lake for 150_l._

When Larkin got this he was in his study.

'Why--why--this--_positively_ this is the letter. _How's_ this?'