“Violence? Good God, what are you driving at?” “Is he the sort of man who might go to extreme lengths—even to murder—to get what he wants?” “Murder? You mean, . . . you mean—that Inquest—are you suggesting?” . . . Sir Leward nodded. “There are pointers that way, I’m afraid, Sir Hunter. Would you think him capable of that?” “Lessingham! Murder! Good God! Good God!” The General was plainly knocked off his usual balance. As Marradine did not really need an answer, he did not press for it. “Now I want to ask you some questions about your Company’s business,” he said. “You do a certain amount in the way of loans, don’t you?” Sir Hunter nodded. “Who advises you on that?” “We have no advisers; we—the Board, that is—settle that for ourselves. We all have a certain amount of experience—except, of course, Resston, who never turns up—we put our heads together.” He paused for a moment, frowning, as if in thought. “As a matter of fact, now I come to think of it, Lessingham generally has more to say on the subject than Wraile or I—looks on it as his pigeon, rather, I think.” “Not long ago you advanced a large sum—£100,000—to the Ethiopian and General Development Company?” The Chairman nodded. “On what security?” “Their notes—the usual thing.” “Were you yourself satisfied with that transaction—and that security?” “Oh yes, certainly. The Ethiopian and General’s a sound concern—old established business—quite reliable. As a matter of fact, Wraile—you were speaking of him just now—a member of our Board—is managing-director of the Ethiopian and General; left us to go to them—they offered him very good terms, I believe.” “And naturally he was in favour of the loan.” “He was, certainly—and I suppose, naturally.” “And the loan was suggested by him? Or by Lessingham?” “By Lessingham, I fancy. Wraile supported it and I agreed.” “Thank you, Sir Hunter; that’s very frank—very helpful.” Marradine was clever enough to see that his visitor was now nervous and that a little judicious flattery and sympathy would enlist his willing help. “Do you know much about the operations of the Ethiopian and General?” “Can’t say I do; they go in, I believe, for the purchase and development of properties in Africa and elsewhere, and also for loans to the same sort of concern. Very profitable business, I believe, but needs great experience and flair.” “Have you ever heard of the Rotunda Syndicate?” “Never, so far as I know.” “Then you are not aware that your loan was required for the purchase of a mine from the Rotunda Syndicate?” “I think I remember something about mining property—I don’t know that I heard the name—didn’t really affect me.” “It would surprise you to hear that the Rotunda Syndicate is owned by your fellow-director, Lessingham, and that your money—your loan—has gone direct into his pocket—in cash and shares?”