“He kept everything of importance in these drawers, did he, sir?” he asked, looking up at Hessel. “So far as I can see, everything, except that there’s a certain amount of money, notes and silver to the value of £200 or £300, some old private account ledgers, and a bundle of private letters in that safe in the wall.” Poole pricked up his ears. “Private letters?” he said. “May I have a look at them?” “If you like—or rather, if you must. They are all old letters; from what I could see they are all in the same hand—a woman’s—and the signature—a Christian name only—is that of Sir Garth’s first wife.” Poole nodded. “I see, sir,” he said. “Perhaps I should just look through them. It will take a little time; if you will just count the letters—initial them if you like—I will give you a receipt for them and let you have them back in a day or two. I need hardly say that unless they have any bearing on the crime they will remain absolutely private. May I also take Sir Garth’s private account book and those company jackets?—I will give you a receipt for those too. The Fratten’s Bank papers, I take it, are all in order, sir? You would know about that.” Hessel smiled. “Perfectly, I think, Inspector, but don’t take my word for it. You had better take them too—we shall have to get you a cab.” Having made out the necessary receipts, Poole declined Mr. Hessel’s chaffing offer of transport, but borrowed an attaché case from Mangane, and made his way home. Late as it was, he still did not give up the day’s work, but sat down to examine his booty. Turning at once to the subject that interested him most, he took up the jacket of the Victory Finance Company; he found that it contained a copy of the company’s last Annual Report, to which was attached a type-written schedule of investments and advances, and three sheets of notes in the dead man’s handwriting. The Annual Report was in places underscored in pencil; Poole could not see any particular significance in these markings. The list of investments and advances was not marked at all, but corresponding headings appeared on Sir Garth’s sheets of notes, with the banker’s comments upon each.