Can Ladies Kill?

To The Director,

Bureau of Investigation,

U.S. Department of Justice, Washington.

Dear Sir-After a great deal of thought I have finally decided to write to you. This letter probably sounds mysterious, but at the moment, mystery is necessary.

During the last two or three months I have, by accident, obtained knowledge of certain matters which, I believe, should properly be dealt with by your department. These criminal matters are of a federal nature. I do not wish to say anything more at this moment, because I hope that further disclosure by me may be unnecessary.

I have every hope that I may be able to write you more fully during the next ten days, or it may be that during the period 1st to 9th of this month events will justify my calling you on the long distance and clearing up this matter.

But should you not hear from me by the 9th of this month I think it is imperative that you send a reliable operative from your department to contact me here on the afternoon of the 10th instant. If this becomes necessary I will make a full statement to him.

Faithfully yours . . .

Can Ladies Kill? was originally published in 1938.

''Peter Cheyney is the Damon Runyon of crime'' The Times