“Then how can you get the benefit of his investigation?”
“I don’t want it.”
“Why?”
“Maybe I should have said I do not need it. Surely I ought to be able to discover anything he has discovered. Then I don’t want his deductions. They might mislead me. A detective’s own theories are usually better and safer than those of an amateur.”
“Very well, Mr. Carter. We will recall Foster.”
“Before I go, will you give me what information you have of the history of Mackenzie? I mean as to his age, birthplace, family history and other things shown by his application for a policy.”
“Oh, I see. I’ll send and get the application from the files.”
When the insurance company’s application in the case of Miles Mackenzie was laid before Nick, he looked it rapidly over, and mentally noted such points as he thought might be of interest in his investigation.
The application was made two years before.
The applicant’s age was given as fifty-seven years; born in Scotland; only child of parents who were both dead; family history good; father and mother both died at a ripe old age; never had been seriously ill in his life; medical examination eminently satisfactory; married the second time; had one child—a son by first wife; his living wife was made the beneficiary under the policy.