"I am not in the least surprised to hear that," he observed. "Barthorpe naturally received a great shock. What I am surprised at is--the terms of the will. Nothing whatever to Barthorpe--his only male relative--his only brother's only son. Extraordinary! My dear," he continued, turning to Peggie, "can you account for this? Do you know of anything, any difference between them, anything at all which would make your uncle leave his nephew out of his will?" "Nothing!" answered Peggie. "And I'm very troubled about it. Does it really mean that I get everything, and Barthorpe nothing?" "That is the precise state of affairs," answered Mr. Halfpenny. "And it is all the more surprising when we bear in mind that you two are the only relations Jacob Herapath had, and that he was a rich man--a very rich man indeed. However, he doubtless had his reasons. And now, as I conclude you desire me to act for you, I shall take charge of this will and lock it up in my safe as soon as I return to the office. On my way, I shall call at Mr. Burchill's address and just have a word with him. Tertius, you had better come with me. And--yes, there is another thing that I should like to have done. Mr. Selwood--are you engaged on any business?" "No," replied Selwood, who was secretly speculating on the meaning of the morning's strange events. "I have nothing to attend to." "Then will you go to Mr. Barthorpe Herapath's office--in Craven Street, I think?--and see him personally and tell him that Mr. Benjamin Halfpenny is in town, has been acquainted with these matters by Mr. Tertius and Miss Wynne, and would esteem it a favour if he would call upon him before five o'clock. Thank you, Mr. Selwood. Now, Tertius, you and I will attend to our business."