'You were going to ask me some questions,' said Peter, as though to put an end to any dissertation on the romantic side of the story. 'It is a business matter,' he said, 'and we had better be businesslike about it. We can unfold the romance of it later.' 'That is my wish,' said Purvis gravely. Peter began to tell himself that he was treating the man badly. He had nothing to gain beyond a little money for his services, and so far he had behaved well and with tact. He was obviously disinterested, although perhaps the bill for pursuing his investigations might be fairly high. 'I have reason to believe that the identity of the man can be proved,' said Purvis; 'but I am not going to risk finding a mare's nest, as I have told you.' 'I am not much help to you,' said Peter. 'I have never set eyes oh my brother since I was two years old.' 'This is his photograph,' said Purvis, producing a coloured photograph from his pocket. Peter took it into his hands and looked long at it. It represented a little boy with fair curls seated in a photographer's arm-chair. 'Can you tell me if it resembles any of your family?' said Purvis. 'Well, 'pon my word I don't know,' said Peter. 'The photograph is a small one, you see, and evidently not a very good one, and to my mind all children of that age look exactly alike. He looks a good little chap,' he finished, with a touch of kindness in his voice. If his brother turned out to be a good fellow reparation would be made easier; and, heavens! how badly the man had been treated. 'The chief danger,' said Purvis, 'lies in the fact that even a strong chain of evidence is not likely to be accepted by those who would benefit by Edward Ogilvie's death.' 'I suppose one would play a fair game,' said Peter shortly. 'I should like to know where you have heard of the man?' 'I may tell you that much,' said Purvis. 'I heard of him at Rosario.' 'Any reason why he should not have communicated with his friends all these years?' 'Within the next few weeks,' said Purvis, 'I hope to be able to bring you face to face with your brother, and then you can put what inquiries you like to him. You must surely see that it is necessary to act with caution until the thing is decided. Even now I can't be quite sure if this man's claim is valid; but once the story is out a dozen claimants may arise, and it would cost you a fortune to sift all the evidence which they might bring.' 'Yes, I see that,' said Peter. 'I am disappointed that the photograph conveys nothing to you,' said Purvis. 'I looked upon it as an important link in the chain of evidence, thinking there might be another like it amongst the old servants, perhaps, at your home.'