"You had better question him. But there is no need of sparring. I tell you confidently that Ernest Ray is alive, and demands the estate which you hold, under his grandfather's will."
"This is simply ridiculous. Of course there is but one answer to such a proposal."
"And what is that?"
"I refuse absolutely to make any concession to an impostor."
"That is your final answer?"
"It is."
"Then I give you notice that the boy will at once bring suit for the restoration of the estate and the vindication of his rights."
"I suppose you are his lawyer," sneered Ray.
"The firm with which I am connected has undertaken the case."
"What is the firm?" asked Stephen Ray, with an anxiety which he could not conceal.