“By all means,” acquiesced Walter Parks, suppressing his own feelings and withdrawing his chair a little into the background.
Then John Ainsworth turns to the lawyer an anxious face.
“I am told that you knew Thomas Uliman and his wife,” he begins abruptly.
“The late Thomas Uliman,” corrects the lawyer; “yes, sir.”
“How long have they been dead?”
“More than three years. They died in the same year.”
“Allow me”—the Chief interrupts. “This gentleman, Mr. Follingsbee, is the only brother of the late Mrs. Uliman. He has just been informed of her death.”
“Indeed!” Mr. Follingsbee rises and extends his hand. “I have heard her speak of her brother John,” he says. “She grew to believe that you were dead.”
“And my daughter, my little girl—did she think that, too?”
“Your daughter?” Mr. Follingsbee turns an inquiring look upon the Chief. “Pardon me, I—I don’t understand.”