But the coincidence is easily explained. I am
the junior member of the law firm of Chudleigh & Chudleigh. We have
been solicitors for the Chetneys for the last two hundred years.
Nothing, no matter how unimportant, which concerns Lord Edam and his
two sons is unknown to us, and naturally we are acquainted with every
detail of the terrible catastrophe of last night."
The Baronet, bewildered but eager, sank back into his chair.
"Will you be long, sir?" he demanded.
"I shall endeavor to be brief," said the young solicitor; "and," he
added, in a tone which gave his words almost the weight of a threat,
"I promise to be interesting."
"There is no need to promise that," said Sir Andrew, "I find it much
too interesting as it is." He glanced ruefully at the clock and
turned his eyes quickly from it.
"Tell the driver of that hansom," he called to the servant, "that I
take him by the hour."
"For the last three days," began young Mr. Chudleigh, "as you have
probably read in the daily papers, the Marquis of Edam has been at
the point of death, and his physicians have never left his house.
Every hour he seemed to grow weaker; but although his bodily strength
is apparently leaving him forever, his mind has remained clear and
active.
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