he wanted to reinvest his proceeds in
the very best American securities. I gathered that he had spent a lot of
time in America, that he preferred America to England, and, in short,
that he had a decided intention of going back to the States, keeping
Hathercleugh as a place to come to occasionally. He asked me if I could
recommend him a broker here in Edinburgh who was thoroughly well
acquainted with the very best class of American investments, and I at
once recommended Mr. John Paley. And--that's all I know, gentlemen."

"Except," remarked Mr. Lindsey, "that you know that considerable
transactions have taken place between Mr. Paley and Sir Gilbert
Carstairs. We know that, from what we heard last night in Newcastle."

"Precisely!--then you know as much as I can tell you," replied the
manager. "But I have no objection to saying that large sums of money,
coming from Sir Gilbert Carstairs, have certainly been passed through Mr.
Paley's banking account here, and I suppose Mr. Paley has made the
investments which Sir Gilbert desired--in fact, I know he has. And--I
should suggest you call on Mr. Paley himself."

We went away upon that, and it seemed to me that Mr. Lindsey was somewhat
taken aback. And we were no sooner clear of the bank than Mr.
Portlethorpe, a little triumphantly, a little maliciously, turned on him.

"There! what did I say?" he exclaimed. "Everything is in order, you see,
Lindsey! I confess I'm surprised to hear about those American
investments; but, after all, Sir Gilbert has a right to do what he likes
with his own. I told you we were running our heads against the
wall--personally, I don't see what use there is in seeing this Mr. Paley.
We're only interfering with other people's business. As I say, Sir
Gilbert can make what disposal he pleases of his own property."

"And what I say, Portlethorpe," retorted Mr. Lindsey, "is that I'm going
to be convinced that it is his own property! I'm going to see Paley
whether you do or not--and you'll be a fool if you don't come."

Mr. Portlethorpe protested--but he accompanied us. And we were very soon
in Mr. John Paley's office--a quiet, self-possessed sort of man who
showed no surprise at our appearance; indeed, he at once remarked that
the bank manager had just telephoned that we were on the way, and why.

"Then I'll ask you a question at once," said Mr. Lindsey. "And I'm sure
you'll be good enough to answer it. When did you last see Sir Gilbert
Carstairs?"