Carless. "You told Lord Ellingham yesterday that your
client saw no end of advertisements for him at the time of his father's
death. Now, we, Carless and Driver, sent out those advertisements--our
name was appended to every one of them, wherever they appeared. Why,
then, when this man--if he is the real man--returned home, did he not
come to us? For there are three persons in this office who--but wait!"
He touched a bell; the clerk who had announced Methley and Woodlesford
put his head in at the door.
"Ask Mr. Portlethwaite to come here," commanded Mr. Carless. "And just
find out if Mr. Driver is in his room. Portlethwaite can tell me when
he comes."
An elderly, grey-haired man presently appeared and closed the door behind
him as if aware of the sacred nature of the proceedings.
"Mr. Driver is out, Mr. Carless," he said. "You wanted me, I think?"
"Our senior clerk," observed Mr. Carless, by way of introduction.
"Portlethwaite, you remember the Lord Marketstoke who disappeared some
thirty-five years ago?"
Mr. Portlethwaite smiled.
"Quite well, Mr. Carless!" he answered. "As if it were yesterday.
Pages:
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221