“I cannot seriously believe that Captain Paton can be concerned in this crime,” he said, “however strong the circumstantial evidence against him may be. The mere fact that he was hard pressed for money——”
“Was he hard pressed for money?” interpolated Poirot quickly.
The lawyer shrugged his shoulders.
“It was a chronic condition with Ralph Paton,” he said dryly. “Money went through his hands like water. He was always applying to his stepfather.”
“Had he done so of late? During the last year, for instance?”
“I cannot say. Mr. Ackroyd did not mention the fact to me.”
“I comprehend. Mr. Hammond, I take it that you are acquainted with the provisions of Mr. Ackroyd’s will?”
“Certainly. That is my principal business here to-day.”
“Then, seeing that I am acting for Miss Ackroyd, you will not object to telling me the terms of that will?”
“They are quite simple. Shorn of legal phraseology, and after paying certain legacies and bequests——”