"'I will put my question in another form. Do you remember witnessing Mr. Thomas Ossington's attachment of his signature to a certain document on the 22nd of October, 1892?' "I had noticed that Mr. Nicholls and he had exchanged glances when I first put my query. Now he looked at his principal evidently in search of guidance. "'Shall I answer this gentleman's question, sir?' "'Certainly. Give him all the information you can.' "This Mr. Hurley proceeded to do, with the utmost clearness. "'I do remember the 22nd of October, 1892, and the whole of the circumstances. I chanced to meet Mr. Ossington in Holborn as I was leaving the office. He asked me if I would dine with him in his house at Wandsworth. I went with him to dinner there and then. After dinner he asked me if I would witness his signature. I expressed my willingness. I witnessed it.' "'Were you acquainted with the nature of the document he was signing?' "'I was not. I have often wondered what it was, especially in the light of after events. The document, which was on a sheet of blue foolscap, had evidently been prepared before my arrival: Mr. Ossington, covering the writing with a piece of blotting-paper, signed it, in the middle of the page, directly underneath, while I affixed my signature, as witness, on the left-hand side.' "'Was there another witness?' "'There was, the servant girl.' "'What was her name?' "'I never heard it. I only know that he called her Louisa. I think I should recognise her if I saw her again. She was a red-faced, light-haired, strapping wench, about eighteen years of age.' "'Should you recognise Ossington's signature--and your own--and the document to which they were attached?' "'Most decidedly; under any circumstances, at any time.' "I thanked him for his frankness, and rose to go. Nicholls stopped me. "'One moment,' he said. 'Hurley informed us, at the time, of what he has just now told you, and, like him, we have frequently wondered what was the nature of the document he witnessed. As you are evidently aware that such a paper existed once upon a time, you are probably acquainted with its present whereabouts?' "'I am. It will be produced in due course. When, I promise you, you will see as curious a document as is to be found upon the records.' "Both Nicholls and Hurley endeavoured to induce me to be more definite. But I was not to be persuaded. Thanking them for the information they had given me, I came away." CHAPTER XIII AN INTERRUPTED TREASURE HUNT "Well," inquired Martyn, when Graham? had finished, "what is the situation now?" "First of all," struck in Madge, "how about the will?" "As regards the will, I do not hesitate to say that it is as sound and valid a declaration of the testator's wishes as has been admitted to probate--Mr. Hurley's testimony removes all doubt upon that point. A man has a right to do what he will with his own--and that is all Mr. Ossington has done."