Nothing the barrister said or did
could astonish him now.
"What has upset you?" he went on. "I hope I made no mistakes."
"None. Your conduct has been irreproachable. But you erred greatly in the
choice of your parents. There are far too many Hume-Frazers in existence."
"Please tell me what is the matter?"
"Read those." Brett tossed the detective's telegrams across the table.
Hume puzzled over them.
"I think we ought to know who that fat man was," he said.
"We do know. She is a fat woman, the ex-barmaid from Ipswich. Next time,
they will send out the youthful Jiro in a perambulator."
"But why are you so furious about it?" demanded Hume. "Was it so important
to ascertain what she did during that hour and a quarter?"
"Important! It is the only real clue given us since 'Rabbit Jack' saw a
man like you standing motionless in the avenue."
CHAPTER XVIII
FURTHER COMPLICATIONS
Brett devoted half an hour to Frazer's business affairs next morning.
David was present, and the result of the conclave is shown by the
following excerpt from a letter the barrister sent by them to Mrs.
Capella, incidentally excusing his personal attendance at the Hall:
"In my opinion, your cousin David and you should guarantee the
payment of the land-tax on Mr. Frazer's estate--L650 per
annum--for five years.
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