“We're investigating Mr. Fordingbridge's disappearance just now,” he explained, “and I would like you to give us some information which might help us. Can you spare a moment or two?”
Calder, though evidently not prepared for the move, made no objection; and, when Sir Clinton and his companions left the room, the lawyer followed them.
As soon as they had reached a place where there was some chance of privacy, Sir Clinton made his purpose clear.
“One possible explanation of Mr. Fordingbridge's disappearance has been suggested, Mr. Calder. He had large funds belonging to other people within his control under a power of attorney. Unless we can learn the state of these funds, we are rather at a loss to know what we're looking for. Now, quite unofficially, have you any information on the point, or can you make a guess as to the state of affairs? Every moment may count, you understand; and we don't want to bark up the wrong tree, if it is the wrong tree.”
The lawyer evidently had no desire to implicate himself.
“There's always a possibility of malversation,” he admitted, “in every case where a man has control of someone else's money.”
“You were familiar with the affairs of the Fordingbridge estate, I suppose, before Paul Fordingbridge took them out of your firm's hands not long ago? I mean that, if I got hold of his papers, you could tell roughly if there had been any hanky-panky?”
“I think it's possible.”
Sir Clinton considered for a time before speaking again.
“Suppose I get permission to examine his papers, either from the family or from the authorities, you could put your finger on any malversation if you had time to look into things?”