The Letter1940

Howard:
I think I should tell you that there is in existence a letter in your handwriting from you to Geoff Hammond.

Leslie:
Well, I often wrote him a little note about something or other, or to get me something if I heard he was going into Singapore.

Howard:
This letter asks him to come and see you because Robert was going to be away.

Leslie:
Oh, but that's impossible. You see, I never did anything of the kind.

[Howard pulls out the letter]

Leslie:
But that's not my handwriting!

Howard:
It's an exact copy of one written on the day of Hammond's death.

Leslie:
What's it mean?

Howard:
That's for you to say, Leslie.

Leslie:
I didn't write it. I swear I didn't write it.

Howard:
If the original is in your handwriting, it would be useless to deny it.

Leslie:
Then it will be a forgery.

Howard:
It would be difficult to prove that. It would be easier to prove it was genuine.

Leslie:
It's not dated. It might have been written years ago. Oh, if you'll just give me a little time, I'll try to remember.

Howard:
Leslie, the prosecution could cross-examine your houseboys. They would soon find out whether someone took a letter to Hammond on the day of his death.

Leslie:
Howard, I swear to you. I did not write this letter.

Howard:
Well, if you have nothing more to say to me, I'll get back to the office.