Mr. Herapath went down to
the House. That was in Portman Square. He gave them to me to get some
papers out of the safe there."

"Was that Safe Deposit key there at that time?"

"They were all there--all six. I'm certain of it," asserted Selwood.
"This is the key of this safe," he went on, selecting one.

"Open the safe, then," said Barthorpe. "Another safe at the Alpha, eh?"
he continued, musingly. "I never knew he had a safe there. Did you ever
know him to use it?"

"I've been to it myself," answered Selwood. "I took some documents there
and deposited them, two days ago. There's not very much in this safe,"
he went on, throwing open the door. "It's not long since I tidied it
out--at his request. So far as I know, there are no private papers of
any note there. He never made much use of this safe--in my presence, at
any rate."

"Well, we'll see what there is, anyhow," remarked Barthorpe. He began to
examine the contents of the safe methodically, taking the various papers
and documents out one by one and laying them in order on a small table
which Selwood wheeled up to his side. Within twenty minutes he had gone
through everything, and he began to put the papers back.

"No will there," he murmured. "We'll go on to Portman Square now, Mr.
Selwood. After all, it's much more likely that he'd keep his will in the
safe at his own house--if he made one. But I don't believe he ever made
a will."

Mr. Tertius and Peggie Wynne were still in the study when Barthorpe and
Selwood drove up to the house. The driver of the taxi-cab had just gone
away, and Mr. Tertius was discussing his information with Peggie.
Hearing Barthorpe's voice in the hall he gave her a warning glance.

"Quick!" he said hurriedly. "Attend to what I say! Not a word to your
cousin about the man who has just left us. At present I don't want Mr.
Barthorpe Herapath to know what he told us. Be careful, my dear--not a
word! I'll tell you why later on--but at present, silence--strict
silence!"

Barthorpe Herapath came bustling into the room, followed by Selwood,
who, as it seemed to Peggie, looked utterly unwilling for whatever task
might lay before him. At sight of Mr. Tertius, Barthorpe came to a
sudden halt and frowned.

"I don't want to discuss matters further, Mr. Tertius," he said coldly.
"I thought I had given you a hint already. My cousin and I have private
matters to attend to, and I shall be obliged if you'll withdraw. You've
got private rooms of