"That I can't say. It was a negro who told us."
"A negro!" Jarman looked astonished, and wondered what was coming.
"You may well look surprised, Mr. Jarman. But a negro came to see us--a grey-haired negro, possessed of great muscular strength although he was but small. He inquired about Mr. Lancaster the son, as he had information to impart to him about the death of Mr. Lancaster the father. He refused to tell us anything beyond what I have said."
"Why didn't you send him to the son?" asked Jarman, testily.
"Because we did not know where the son was to be found."
"Oh! the negro came after the murder of Starth?"
"Yes; a week later. We told him that our unfortunate client had been accused of the crime and had escaped justice. The negro then departed, although we offered to do all we could towards proving the will."
Jarman pricked up his ears. "Is there a will?"
"I suspect there is, Mr. Jarman, and I suspect that the negro is the bearer of it. Had Mr. Lancaster the father made his will in San Francisco he would have executed it in the office of our esteemed agents. As it is, we have not heard from them. But, strange to say," added Saon, "the twenty pounds has been paid this month as usual. I really don't know what to make of it."
"Nor I. I suppose there must be a will?"