"I know what Hersham has," interrupted Fanks; "but I want him to see me, not you. Wait till we know how we stand at the present moment. Come into the smoking-room and answer my questions." "What a peremptory chap you are," grumbled Garth, as they left the room. "Evidently you don't confide in my discretion." "I am about to do so," said Fanks, who understood the art of conciliation; "we will work together, and all that I know you shall know. But you must let me manage things in my own way." In his heart Garth was flattered that Fanks should have chosen him as his coadjutor, and, dominated by the stronger will of the detective, he quietly took up the position of an underling. Garth was self-willed and not usually amenable to reason; but Fanks had the law at his back, without which Garth could not hope to do anything. Hence his acquiescence. "Come, now, old fellow," said Fanks, amiably, "we have a hard task before us; so you must make it easier by answering my questions." "Go on," said Garth, lighting a cigar; "I always give in to a man who has had more experience than myself." Fanks laughed at this delicate way of adjusting the situation, but as he wished to keep on good terms with the touchy lawyer he let the remark pass in silence. When they were fairly settled, and he saw that they had the smoking-room to themselves, he took out his pocket-book and began his examination as to the past of the dead man. "The Fellengers are a Hampshire family, I believe?" "Yes," replied Garth, with a nod; "Sir Gregory was the fourth baronet and only son. The family seat is Mere Hall, near Bournemouth." "You are Sir Gregory's cousin?" "I am, on the mother's side." "Who is the present baronet? Yourself or somebody else?" "Somebody else," said Garth, with a sigh. "I should have told you if I had been his heir. I wonder at so clever a man as you asking so very frivolous a question." "I have my reasons," said Fanks calmly. "Well, and who is the heir?" "My cousin, Louis Fellenger; he is twenty-five years of age, and as great a prig as ever lived." "Where does he reside now?" "I believe that he has gone to Mere Hall to take possession of the property. But he did live at Taxton-on-Thames, a village near Weybridge." "Do you know Sir Louis intimately?" "No. I have only seen him once or twice. He is a bookish, scientific man, and an invalid;--at least," corrected Garth, "he has always a doctor living with him; a tall, fat brute, called Binjoy, who twists him round his finger. He has been with him for years." "A tall, fat brute," repeated Fanks, smiling at this amiable description. "Has the gentleman in question a long, brown beard?" "No, he is clean shaven. A pompous creature, fond of using long words, and proud of his voice and oratorial powers. Something like 'Conversation Kenge' in 'Bleak House.'"