“Has it struck you, Daventry—that we may possibly be running a big risk over this business?”
Peter looked startled. “How do you mean?”
Linnell opened a drawer and handed over a letter. “Supposing that letter hadn’t come from Stewart; supposing that signature—purporting to be Stewart’s——was a forgery?”
Peter’s eyes opened even wider. “That’s interesting. Go on!”
Linnell from Lancashire went on. And emphasized his points with quick jerks of the head. “We are instructed to purchase! That is to say Stewart in no way restricts us. He mentions no limit. Supposing we pay, for argument’s sake, £25,000—thinking we’re acting for Stewart—and then Stewart repudiates ever having commissioned us! And then, after that, we find our £25,000 worth of stuff is worth say—only £15,000. Where are we then, Daventry? I’ve inflated the figures purposely.”
“Down the mine, Daddy,” declared Peter. “But what’s the Big Idea—who would ever——?”
“Who would? Seems to me Day, Forshaw and Palmers might find it a very healthy proposition,” replied Linnell.
“And that’s what you really think?” asked Peter incredulously.
“No—I don’t!” said Linnell grimly. “But I’m damned well going to find out.”
“How? Go and see Stewart?” Peter was all alertness now.