“Oh no. This eldest Brandy is dead.”
“Are you sure?”
“Certain—best authority. A business friend of mine was in the same ship with him. Brandy was coming home to see his friends. He fell overboard and my friend saw him drown. It was in the Indian Ocean.”
“When was that?”
“Last September.”
“Oh, then this one must be the other of course!”
“No doubt of that, I think,” said Potts, cheerily.
Brandon rose. “I feel much obliged. Sir John,” said he, stiffly, and with his usual nasal tone, “for your kindness. This is just what I want. I’ll put a stop to my young man’s game. It’s worth coming to England to find out this.”
“Well, when you walk him out of your office, give him my respects and tell him I’d be very happy to see him. For I would, you know. I really would.”
“I’ll tell him so,” said Brandon, “and if he is alive perhaps he’ll come here.”