urprised to find so ancient a
survival in these modern days. But when they began to talk Asher proved
to be quite able to hold his own, and was not at all fossilized in
brain, whatever he might be in appearance. He knew not only the name of
Steel, but all about the case and Steel's connection therewith. He
referred in feeling terms to Daisy's death.

"A very charming girl, Mr. Steel," said the young-old lawyer. "On
several occasions she has been here to draw her little income. It is sad
that she should have met with her death at the hands of a jealous woman
at the very time she was about to enjoy a legacy of five thousand a
year."

"You don't say so!" cried Steel, who had heard nothing of this.

"Ah! Mr. Morley never informed you of the fact."

"Well, no, he didn't; but then, I have not seen him for over a week. I
believe he is at Brighton with his wife. Who left this money to the late
Miss Kent?"

"A relative of hers who died lately in Australia."

"And failing her who inherits?"

Mr. Asher reflected. "I don't know that you have any right to ask that
question," he said, after a pause.

"Pardon me," replied the detective. "Miss Kent was murdered. I fancied
that the money might have something to do with the commission of the
crime."

"No, Mr. Steel. I read the evidence given at the inquest. Jealousy was
the motive of the crime, and Miss Denham is guilty."

"I am somewhat of that way of thinking myself, Mr. Asher. And on the
face of it there is no other way of accounting for the murder.
Nevertheless it is just as well to look at the matter from all sides.
The crime may be connected with the question of this fortune. You may as
well tell me what I wish to know. I'll keep my mouth closed."

"Are you going to accuse our client of the crime?" asked Asher dryly. "I
fear you will waste your time if you do. Since you look at the matter in
this way, I don't mind speaking about what after all is not your
business."

"That is as it may be," returned Steel enigmatically.

Asher passed this remark over. "Failing Miss Kent, the five thousand a
year goes to George Franklin, a brother-in-law of the testator. We
lately received a letter from him, informing us that he intended to
claim the money."

"How did he know that he would inherit?"

"We advertised for him. He is quite unaware of the death of Miss Kent,
and I daresay thinks Mr. Powell left the fortune to him direct."

"You can't be certain of his ignorance. Howe