"That, sir, is their business," he answered emphatically. "I have not chosen to inquire whether my uncle could not have found a better lawyer to act as executor."
"You are impudent, young man!" exclaimed Solomon Brief, his face being as red for the moment as his hair.
"We have neither of us been overcivil," said Ben. "Suppose we come back to business."
"Come now, you're a cool one."
"Perhaps I am. I have always understood that coolness is desirable in business. May I inquire of what disease my uncle died?"
"It would serve you right if I declined to answer your questions after your impudence to me. However, I will overlook it this time. Your uncle committed suicide."
"Good gracious!" ejaculated Ben, who was quite unprepared for this announcement. "How did he do it?"
"He drowned himself."
"What could possibly have driven him to it?"
"Of that we are ignorant. He left a letter at his lodgings, directing me to open and carry out the provisions of his will, which he had deposited with me."