"I am sure of it." "Then I can tell you that Mr. Lancaster, senior, is dead." "Dead! And when did he die?" "That I can't say. It was a negro who told us." "A negro!" Jarman looked astonished, and wondered what was coming. "You may well look surprised, Mr. Jarman. But a negro came to see us--a grey-haired negro, possessed of great muscular strength although he was but small. He inquired about Mr. Lancaster the son, as he had information to impart to him about the death of Mr. Lancaster the father. He refused to tell us anything beyond what I have said." "Why didn't you send him to the son?" asked Jarman, testily. "Because we did not know where the son was to be found." "Oh! the negro came after the murder of Starth?" "Yes; a week later. We told him that our unfortunate client had been accused of the crime and had escaped justice. The negro then departed, although we offered to do all we could towards proving the will." Jarman pricked up his ears. "Is there a will?" "I suspect there is, Mr. Jarman, and I suspect that the negro is the bearer of it. Had Mr. Lancaster the father made his will in San Francisco he would have executed it in the office of our esteemed agents. As it is, we have not heard from them. But, strange to say," added Saon, "the twenty pounds has been paid this month as usual. I really don't know what to make of it." "Nor I. I suppose there must be a will?" "I think so, since the late Mr. Lancaster is dead and was a man of means. If you can find this negro--" "What is his name?" interrupted Eustace. "We cannot tell you that. He refused to inform us. In fact," added Mr. Saon, drawing himself up, "for an African he was impertinent." "Why didn't you kick him?" said Eustace, rising. "H'm! Is this all you can tell me?" "All. And if you will let us know where Mr. Lancaster the son is to be found, we shall have much pleasure in proving the will." "The will has to be found first, and the negro," said Eustace, coolly; "and also Frank Lancaster has to get his neck out of the noose before he can let himself be arrested." "Quite so. I admire your caution, Mr. Jarman. Still, if Mr. Lancaster the son will only place himself in our hands--" Jarman's patience with this old ass was exhausted. "He would be hanged within the month. Good-day." And he hurried away, leaving Saon a frozen statue of indignation.