"If you decide that no satisfactory conclusion can be arrived at," said Mr. Murbles, "we can always fall back on the settlement. I am sure all parties wish to avoid litigation."
"In case the estate vanishes in costs? Very wise. I hope it may be feasible. Have you made any preliminary inquiries?"
"None to speak of. I would rather you undertook the whole investigation from the beginning."
"Very well. I'll start to-morrow and let you know how it gets on."
The lawyer thanked him and took his departure. Wimsey sat pondering for a short time—then rang the bell for his man-servant.
"A new notebook, please, Bunter. Head it 'Fentiman' and be ready to come round with me to the Bellona Club to-morrow, complete with camera and the rest of the outfit."
"Very good, my lord. I take it your lordship has a new inquiry in hand?"
"Yes, Bunter—quite new."
"May I venture to ask if it is a promising case, my lord?"
"It has its points. So has a porcupine. No matter. Begone, dull care! Be at great pains, Bunter, to cultivate a detached outlook on life. Take example by the bloodhound, who will follow up with equal and impartial zest the trail of a parricide or of a bottle of aniseed."