“Why, yes. A man who insured with us two years ago has died. There are some circumstances about the case which have aroused our suspicions that everything is not exactly straight. Before we pay the money we want the case thoroughly investigated, and we have decided you are the man to do it.”
“How much is involved?”
“Half a million. He was insured for one hundred thousand dollars in each of five companies. If you can show up fraud in the case, it will pay you well.”
“What was the man’s name?”
“Miles Mackenzie.”
“Where does he live?”
“At a town in eastern Pennsylvania named Elmwood.”
“Well, as soon as I finish Miss Templin’s business, I’ll be glad to look into this affair for you, if it can wait a few days.”
“Oh, yes, a week, if necessary. The money will not be paid till you get time to look up the Mackenzie affair. So you have a mystery to clear up, too, eh, Miss Templin?”
“Yes; and we’ve come to you to help us out.”