"I have nothing to say against him," responded the lawyer, "except that he was unwise. He had an intense craving to leave you a very large fortune, and this craving became a kind of disease in him, and led him on. I regret to tell you that all his speculations have ended disastrously."
"That is to say, have resulted in a loss?"
"In great losses."
"To what extent?"
"Claims are pouring in. If they are satisfied, the will in your hands is not worth more than waste paper. But some of the claims may be contested, and in my belief successfully. But that will be a matter for counsel's opinion."
"It has nothing to do with counsel," said Basil; "it has to do with me. I am my dear father's representative, and it is for me to determine what is to be done."
"Undoubtedly. Instructions must come from you."
"Claims are pouring in, you say. Can you tell me to what amount?"
"As far as we have received them; there are more to be presented you understand."
"Yes."