"Willingly, if you will give me full powers. I must be prepared to show that I am acting for you." "Draw up a paper, Rathbeal. I will sign whatever you write." In his neat handwriting Rathbeal drew out something in the shape of a power of attorney, which Robert Grantham signed. Before he went upon his mission Rathbeal made an appointment to meet Grantham at nine o'clock that night; the appointment would have been made for an earlier hour, but Grantham had some copying to finish and deliver, and the work could not be neglected. When Rathbeal arrived at the offices of Paxton and Freshfield he asked to see one of the principals, and he heard a clerk tell another to see if Mr. Dixon was in. Mr. Dixon was not in, but Mr. Paxton was, and would see Mr. Rathbeal. "I have come about this advertisement," he said, showing the cutting to an old gentleman wearing gold spectacles. Mr. Paxton glanced at the advertisement, and said: "Our partner, Mr. Dixon, has taken it in hand; he will return at four o'clock." "I will wait for him," said Rathbeal, "but meanwhile you can perhaps give me some information concerning it." "I know very little about it," said the lawyer, cautiously. "Mr. Dixon is in possession of the full particulars. You are not Mr. Grantham?" He referred to the card Rathbeal had sent in. "No, I am Mr. Grantham's friend and agent. I have authority to act for him." He produced the document Grantham had signed. "It is drawn out and signed to-day, you see." "I see. How is it that so long a time has elapsed before answering the advertisement?" "It only came to Mr. Grantham's knowledge a couple of hours ago. Would you object to inform me whether it is really something to his advantage, whether it means money?" "There is a small legacy left to Mr. Grantham, I believe, which he can obtain if the proofs are clear." A clerk knocked at the door, and entered. "Mr. Dixon has come in, sir." "Show this gentleman to his room." Being introduced to Mr. Dixon, Rathbeal opened up his business, and observed signs of agitation in John Dixon's face, which he construed unfavorably. With the signed document before him--which he examined, Rathbeal thought, with suspicious attention--John Dixon schooled himself presently to a more strictly professional method, but he did not immediately make any observation. "The document is genuine, sir," said Rathbeal. "It was signed in my presence." "Upon that point," said John Dixon, with studious brows, "I must be quite certain. You are a stranger to me, and your name is strange; and you bring me startling news, Mr. Rathbeal. Why did not Mr. Grantham come himself? Are you aware that it is believed by his friends that he is dead?"