William Le Queux - The Temptress стр 7.

At that moment there came Jacobs well-known tap at the door, and he entered, bearing a letter upon a salver.

Trethowen started, and quickly replaced the glass upon the table. He was confused, and felt ashamed of being caught in the act of self-destruction, although the old man could not have been aware of what the glass contained.

Without a word he took the letter, and Jacob retired.

Tearing it open impatiently, he eagerly read its contents. It was a purely formal communication from Messrs Graham and Ratcliff, an eminently respectable legal firm, who, some years before, had transacted his late fathers business, and who now expressed a desire that he should call at their offices in Devereux Court, Temple, at noon on the following day, as they wished to have an interview with him on a most important and pressing matter.

He re-read the letter several times; then, without a word escaping his lips, flung the contents of the glass upon the fire.

The letter puzzled him sorely. He resolved to call at the address given and ascertain the nature of the mysterious business.

It had saved him.

Chapter Five

Under St. Clement Danes

The office was small, dingy, and undusted, with a threadbare carpet that had once been green, long rows of pigeon-holes filled with faded legal papers, and windows so dirt-begrimed that they only admitted a yellow light, which added to the characteristic gloom.

Before a large writing-table sat Mr Bernard Graham, solicitor and commissioner for oaths, interestedly reading some documents which had apparently been taken from a black tin box that was standing open near him. He was a clean-shaven, wizened man of sixty, with scanty white hair, a forehead denoting considerable self-esteem, a pair of small, cold grey eyes, and an aquiline nose, surmounted by pince-nez with tortoiseshell frames. Attired in broadcloth of an antiquated cut, he looked exactly what his clients believed him to be a respectable family solicitor, the surviving partner of the once popular firm of Graham and Ratcliff.

Hum! the dates correspond, he was murmuring aloud, as he jotted down some memoranda, after glancing through an affidavit yellow with age. There can be no doubt that my surmise is correct; yet the whole affair is the most extraordinary within my experience. I wonder whether there are any minor points that will require clearing up?

Selecting another document, somewhat larger than the former, he opened it, and readjusting his glasses, read it through slowly and carefully, breaking off several times to make notes of dates and names therein set forth.

No, he exclaimed at last, as he laid the paper aside; we must first establish the identity, then everything will be straightforward. It all seems remarkably dear.

Leaning back in his writing chair, his features relaxed into a self-satisfied smile.

Some one must benefit, he observed aloud, his face again assuming a thoughtful look. There is such a thing as murder through revenge. Now, I wonder how I should fare if

The door suddenly opened, and a clerk appeared bearing a card.

Show him in, commanded the solicitor, after glancing at it.

A moment later Hugh Trethowen entered.

Dressed fashionably, with a flower in his coat, he looked spruce and gay. The settled look of despair had given place to a pleasant smile, and as he advanced with elastic tread and greeted the old gentleman in his usual easy, familiar manner, it would have been hard to believe that twelve hours ago he had been on the point of taking his life.

Well, Graham, he began, as he put down his hat, and took the chair opposite the solicitor; now, what is it you want with me? Ive been breathing an atmosphere of debts and duns lately, so, if any of my creditors have been so misguided as to put their claim into your hands, I may as well give you the tip at once that Im not worth sixpence.

Creditors are out of the question, Mr Hugh, the old solicitor replied, smiling, and leaning back in his chair.

I wish they were, said Hugh fervently. Give me a recipe to get rid of them, and Ill try the experiment at all hazards.

You have no need, my dear sir,  no need whatever.

No need! repeated the younger man in astonishment, for the words seemed like an insinuation that he knew the secret means by which he intended to evade his difficulties. Why, what do you mean? he asked seriously. I tell you, it is pay or smash with me.

I regret to hear that, but you will adopt the former course, Graham replied mysteriously.

Hugh laughed sarcastically.

Thats very likely, when I have no money. But, look here, what do you want with me?

To impart some news.

News! exclaimed Trethowen, suddenly interested. Good or bad?

Both.

What is it? Tell me quickly, he demanded, with an impatient gesture.

Simply this. I wish to congratulate you upon your inheritance.

What inheritance?

Well, the information it is my pleasure to communicate will undoubtedly cause you mingled pain and satisfaction. Briefly, your brother, Douglas Trethowen, is dead, and

What! cried Hugh, starting to his feet in amazement. Youre humbugging me!

I repeat, your brother is dead, resumed the old solicitor calmly, looking intently into the face of the man before him. In consequence of that event you inherit the whole of the estate.

Good heavens, is this true, Graham? he asked breathlessly.

It is. Therefore I dont think you need trouble yourself over creditors any longer. You can now pay, and wipe them out.

The old man laughed at the effect his words had produced, for Hugh Trethowen was standing in mute astonishment.

But how do you know Douglas is dead? he asked.

There is little doubt of it, answered Mr Graham coolly. Read this, and he handed him a newspaper cutting.

Hugh scanned it eagerly, with an expression of abject amazement. The statement was to the effect that it had just transpired that the man found murdered in an omnibus at Charing Cross had been identified as Mr Douglas Trethowen, of Coombe Hall, Cornwall. Upon the body some cards and letters had been found, which, for some unaccountable reason, had at first been kept secret by the police.

I can scarcely believe it, Hugh ejaculated at length. Besides, after all, it is not absolutely certain that it is he.

Not at all, admitted Graham, with a puzzled look. Of course, you, as his brother, must identify him.

Yes, said the other, very thoughtfully; for it had suddenly occurred to him that he had not recognised the features when he saw the body taken from the omnibus.

No time must be lost, observed the solicitor. The identity must be established at once. The inquest will, I believe, be held to-morrow.

Hugh hesitated, and for some moments remained silent.

You see, Ive not met my brother for six years, therefore I might be unable to recognise him. He has been abroad during the greater part of that period, and his appearance may have altered considerably.

Nonsense, my dear sir,  nonsense. You would surely know your own brother, even if a dozen years had elapsed, he answered decisively.

And suppose he really is Douglas?

The will is explicit enough, the elder man said, pointing to an open document before him. This is a copy of it, and no codicil has been added. In the same manner as your late respected father, Mr Douglas left the whole of his affairs in my hands. Fortunately for you, he never married, and the property is yours.