CHAPTER XIV

A HIEROGLYPHIC LETTER (_Friday, July 13; 4.15 p. m._) Markham got up irritably and walked the length of the room and back. As always in moments of perplexity his hands were clasped behind him, and his head was projected forward. “Damn your various aunts!” he growled, as he came abreast of Vance. “You’re always calling on an aunt. Haven’t you any uncles?” Vance opened his eyes and smiled blandly. “I know how you feel.” Despite the lightness of his tone there was unmistakable sympathy in his words…