"They'll have to prove how you got into the house first," said the American, rather ashamed of his momentary suspicions, since the man looked at the matter in this fashion. "You lie low, professor. You're all right, I guess. There's a long difference between inheriting a large fortune and killing the person to get it." "I would not have touched Flora for the universe," cried the professor. "I saw little of her, but what I saw I liked very much. She was a gentle, kind little lady, and though so poor she always dressed well. A most charming lady." "Where did she get the ten thousand a year?" "From a relative who died in Australia. At our first interview she stated that she had such a relative, and that it was probable she would inherit the money. Then she promised to assist me. She remembered her promise when she came in for the money a month or two ago. Not only did she promise me an income, but made the will in my favour. I asked her not to, saying I would be content with a small annuity. But she said she had already made the will." "Why didn't she leave it to her husband?" "I can't say. She spoke very little about her husband. He is a commercial traveller, and was often away. From what I saw in her manner and looks she was not happy; but she did not complain." "Well," said Tracey, rising, "if the husband turns up he'll fight you for the property, though I don't think he'll show." "Why not? He won't give up ten thousand a year." "No. But Derrick thinks, as you will see in the paper, that Mrs. Brand was killed by her husband." Bocaros started back. "Horrible! Horrible!" Then piteously, "My friend, what am I to do?" "Take my advice, and go right along to see Laing and Merry. They'll help you through." And this Bocaros agreed to do. "And I will spend the money in hunting for the assassin," said he. CHAPTER IX MRS. BRAND'S WILL The office of Laing and Merry was in Milton Street, on the ground floor of a dingy pile of buildings. There was only one representative of the firm, as Laing was dead, and his executors had disposed of the business to Merry. This gentleman carried on the office work with three clerks, of which one was his son. At a future date the younger Merry was to be admitted into the business, and at present was serving his articles. Merry retained the name of Laing on the office door-plate, as that gentleman had been a much-respected member of the profession, and his name inspired confidence.