"I claim to be exactly what I am, Mr. Carless," answered the visitor
with another ready and pleasant smile. "I hope your memory will come to
your aid."
"When a man has disappeared--absolutely--for something like thirty-five
years," remarked Mr. Carless, "those whom he has left behind may well be
excused if their memories don't readily respond to sudden demands. But I
should like to ask you some questions? Did you see the advertisements
which were issued, broadcast, at the time of the seventh Earl of
Ellingham's death?"
"Yes--in several English and Colonial papers," answered the claimant.
"Why did you not reply to them?"
"At that time I still persevered in my intention of never again having
anything to do with my old life. I had no desire--at all--to come forward
and claim my rights. So I took no notice of your advertisements."
"And since then--of late, to be exact--you have changed your mind?"
suggested Mr. Carless dryly.
"To a certain extent only," replied the visitor, whose calm assurance was
evidently impressing the legal practitioners around him. "I have already
told Mr. Methley and his partner, Mr.
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