Robert E Leej waited for the footsteps to fade down the hallway before slowly opening the door to his quarters. He saw the card from Delacroix, closed the door, read it in silence. He then took a piece of foolscap from his writing chest and scribbled a note. It read
"Charley old friend,
I say this to you with thoughts in mind of the many kindnesses you have shown me through the years, of the bloody miles we traveled together in the late lamented rebellion, and of the many poker pots we have split amicably since those days. I am aware that you have been making certain inquiries. So are others whose malicious attention you have attracted. Even now, you are followed. Please, Charlie, leave this matter be. You must not involve yourself, as it holds the greatest threat to your life, your soul, and your honor. I am duty-bound to warn you from this course of action that will likely involve me in direst disaster, and you, should you be foolish enough not to desist.
Having said all of this, I am fairly certain, due to the same bull-headedness that made you charge the Yankee line at Antietam with a minie ball in your shoulder, that you will make the wrong decision and plunge headlong into this peril. If this is your decision, then I wash my hands of the consequences. Meet me at eight this evening at the Great Oak in the wood behind the Whizzy Wig Gospel Tent. Mind the pale, ginger haired fellow who will attempt to follow you.

Regards

Robt L Leej"

Leej folded the note, sealed it with candle wax, and strode down the companionway to the Hansell's Tavern. There he saw a cabin boy, whom he tipped with a two-bit piece, saying "go fetch Mr Delacroix, lad." Soon, the boy returned with a puzzled and perturbed Delacroix in tow.
Delacroix strode up to Leej, saying "what's this? Summoning an old comrade in the manner of a King, Bobby!" Leej smiled and handed the note to Delacroix, saying quietly "I trusted no one to take it to you. Read it, then burn it." With this, Robert E Leej tipped his hat and strode toward the entrance, stopping to place his hand firmly on the shoulder of a pale, ginger fellow who had just entered. "Bartender. Give this jovial-looking fellow an absinthe. Actually, make it two." The green liquid was served up, and Leej fixed the man in his glance, clicked glasses in a toast, then drank, casting a quick glance toward Delacroix. "Excellent!" said Leej, placing a folded bill on the bar. "Now, I really must be going, but see that this fine fellow gets two more of the same." Leej turned his back on the baffled pale man, smiled at Delacroix, and left.