"Not an atom of difference. Say Mr. Smith."
"I am obliged to you. I need not, then, disclose my own particular interest in the matter."
"Not at all, if it will not hamper me."
"I don't see how it will hamper you in the least. Shall I pay you a modest retainer? Will a guinea do?"
"A guinea will do, sir. Thank you."
"You had better take notes of what I say, Mr. Philpott." The private inquiry agent produced his pocket-book. "Write down first the names I give you."
Mr. Philpot took down the names and addresses of Mr. Bartholomew Whittingham and of the lawyers in London who transacted that gentleman's affairs when Basil was last in England; also the name of Mr. Basil Whittingham.
"Any address to this name, sir?" asked Mr. Philpott.
"None. Mr. Bartholomew Whittingham is, or was--for I understand he is dead--a gentleman of considerable fortune; Mr. Basil Whittingham is his nephew; the lawyers whose names I have given you transacted the old gentleman's business for many years, but I am not aware whether they have continued to do so."
"That is easily ascertained."