, but produce the very man he sent me in
search of," interrupted David, laughing. Nothing the barrister said or did
could astonish him now.

"What has upset you?" he went on. "I hope I made no mistakes."

"None. Your conduct has been irreproachable. But you erred greatly in the
choice of your parents. There are far too many Hume-Frazers in existence."

"Please tell me what is the matter?"

"Read those." Brett tossed the detective's telegrams across the table.

Hume puzzled over them.

"I think we ought to know who that fat man was," he said.

"We do know. She is a fat woman, the ex-barmaid from Ipswich. Next time,
they will send out the youthful Jiro in a perambulator."

"But why are you so furious about it?" demanded Hume. "Was it so important
to ascertain what she did during that hour and a quarter?"

"Important! It is the only real clue given us since 'Rabbit Jack' saw a
man like you standing motionless in the avenue."

CHAPTER XVIII

FURTHER COMPLICATIONS

Brett devoted half an hour to Frazer's business affairs next morning.
David was present, and the result of the conclave is shown by the
following excerpt from a letter the barrister sent by them to Mrs.
Capella, incidentally excusing his personal attendance at the Hall:

"In my opinion, your cousin David and you should guarantee the
payment of the land-tax on Mr. Frazer's estate--L650 per
annum--for five years. You should give him a reasonable sum to
rehabilitate his wardrobe and pay the few small debts he has
contracted, besides allowing him a weekly stipend to enable him to
live properly for another year. I will place him in touch with
sound financial people, who will exploit his estate if they think
the prospects are good, and you can co-operate in the scheme, if
you are so advised by your solicitors, with whom the financiers I
recommend will carry weight. Failing support in England, Mr.
Frazer says he can make his own way in the Argentine if helped in
the manner I suggest."

He explained to the two young men that his movements that day would be
uncertain. If the ladies still adhered to their resolve to proceed to
London forthwith, the whole party would stay at the same hotel. In that
event they should send a telegram to his Victoria Street chambers, and he
would dine with them. Otherwise they must advise him of their whereabouts.

Left to himself, he curled up in an arm-chair, knotting le