[CHAPTER X]
THE INQUEST
"You must be mistaken," stammered the doctor, staring, as well he might, considering the astounding news which he had heard.
"I don't make mistakes either in or out of business," replied Mr. Ritson haughtily. "Last week I drew up Sir Simon's will, which was short and to the point. In it he disinherited Maud Tedder and left all his money and property to his nephew, Angus Herries."
"Good Lord." Browne collapsed into a chair near the desk. He found it difficult to believe that Herries the outcast was now Herries the millionaire. "Fifty thousand a year," gasped the doctor, his red hair almost standing on end. "What will he do with it?"
"Buy his freedom, I expect," said Ritson grimly.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well," the lawyer took up a quill pen, and began to play with it. "Mr. Herries is certainly entitled to fifty thousand a year, but he has to do something to earn it."
"Do what?" asked Browne more and more perplexed.
Ritson bent forward.