After even his legal suspicion was satisfied as to Mrs.
Carringford's identity, Mr. Payne said, again looking at Gummy:
"Did you and your husband name this boy after a certain relative named John Gumswith. Mrs. Carringford?"
"My husband's elder brother. Yes, sir. Gumswith is named after his Uncle John."
"Humph! I should consider it something of a punishment if I were the boy," muttered the lawyer. Then he asked:
"Have you heard from this relative—this John
Gumswith—recently?"
"No, sir. Not for fifteen years," said Mrs. Carringford, her face suddenly paling.
"Do you know where he is?"
"I only know that he started for Australia fifteen years ago."
"Sit down, Mrs. Carringford," said Mr. Day softly. "I assure you this is nothing to worry about."
I—should—say—not," agreed the lawyer. "Quite the opposite. And the boy need not look so scared, either. If he can stand that name he carries around with him—"