private. You know I do not meddle in politics, but to-night there came to my knowledge a piece of information which I think you ought to know, for it may be very important. I have reason to believe that Earl Stranleigh of Wychwood is about to take as active a part in the coming contest as the law will allow. His almost fabulous wealth invests him with enormous power. I dare not do more than give you a hint, which is that classic quotation to the effect that you should distrust the Greeks when they bring gifts.
"Keep your eye on Stranleigh, and you may be able to trip him up.
"Ever yours,
"A. C."
"Ah!" murmured Sir George. "Your object is to sow suspicion in the minds of the Government party?"
"Certainly. When you add that little mustard-seed to the already enormous mass of distrust against the Lords, if he were the Angel Gabriel himself poor Stranleigh could not persuade Brent he was on his side. Thus do I sandbag his lordship, who will never know who or what struck him."
A few minutes later the missive was on its way to
