"H'm! This letter calls for the delivery to you of certain rather important documents, young man. I should like to be sure of your identification before placing them in your hands."
"Well, Sir, I've my bank-book here, and some letters——"
The attorney waved them aside.
"I don't mean quite that. You have been long in Miss Murdaugh's employ?"
Dan was conscious of a movement in the corner behind him and turned to find a mild, round-faced young man rising from the safe he had been in the act of closing and regarding him with vast interest. Dan returned the compliment respectfully.
"How long have you worked for Miss Murdaugh?"
The question was reiterated with a touch of asperity.
"For some time, Sir. Ever since she caught the French maid trying to spy on her under the orders of Mrs. Halstead." Dan repeated carefully but with evident satisfaction the message which had been given him. "Miss Murdaugh told me to tell you, Sir, that I was one of the investments she had made with Gentleman Geoff's money. She said you would understand."
Mason North nipped at his mustache reflectively and turned to the younger man. "Winthrop, I wish you'd go and attend to that Erskine matter for me!"
Winnie departed in obvious reluctance and only when the door had closed behind him did his father resume: