“Giovanni Cavallo, for one; my seniors, Messrs. Bigelow & Higginson, and several others.
“Never heard of any of them before.”
“Perhaps not. But if you write to Smithers & Co. they will tell you that Bigelow, Higginson, & Co. are their solicitors, and do their confidential business.”
“Smithers & Co.?” said Potts, aghast.
“Yes. It would not be for your interest for Bigelow, Higginson, & Co. to show Smithers & Co. the proofs which they have against you, would it?”
Potts was silent. An expression of consternation came over his face. He plunged his hands deep in his pockets and bowed his head frowningly.
“It is all bosh,” said he, at last, raising his head. “Let them show and be d—-d. What have they got to show?”
“I will answer your question regularly,” said the stranger, “in accordance with my instructions”—and, drawing a pocket-book from his pocket, he began to read from some memoranda written there.
“1st. The notes to which the name of Ralph Brandon is attached, 150 in number, amounting to £93,500.”
“Pooh!” said Potts.