He was aware that legal
proceedings were taken as regards the presumption of his death and the
administration of the estates; he was also aware of the death of his
younger brother and that title and estates were now in possession of his
nephew--His Lordship there. In fact, he was very well up in the whole
story, according to Methley and Woodlesford," said Mr. Carless, with a
smile. "And Lord Ellingham believed that Methley and Woodlesford were
genuinely convinced by him."
"Seemed so, anyway, both of 'em," agreed Lord Ellingham.
"However," continued Mr. Carless, "Methley and Woodlesford, like you and
I, Pawle, are limbs of the law. They asked two very pertinent questions.
First--why had he come forward after this long interval? Second--what
evidence had he to support and prove his claim?"
"Good!" muttered Mr. Pawle. "And I'll be bound he had some excellent
replies ready for them."
"He had," said Mr. Carless. "He answered as regards the first question
that of late things had not gone well with him. He was still comfortably
off, but he had lost a lot of money in Australia through speculation.
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