d
to pay off the sum by degrees. They refused, and insist upon immediate
payment. If they would only wait until the war is over, my South African
shares would go up and there would be a chance of settling the matter.
But they will not wait. I expect a bankruptcy notice next."

"I am very sorry for you, Mr. Morley, and of course, I shall not betray
the confidence you have placed in me; but the point is, what is the name
of the man who served this?"

"I don't know; I never asked him his name. He entered by the front door
and served this here. I sent him out by the window, so that the servants
should not see him again. He had the look of a sheriff's officer, and
one can't be too careful here. I believe Mrs. Parry pays my servants to
tell her what goes on in my house. I didn't want her to learn about this
summons."

"I can easily understand that," replied the detective; "and I see now
why you let the man out by the window. You left the room with him?"

"Yes. I didn't say anything much at the inquest beyond that he was a
visitor, and I was relieved when I found that no questions were asked.
But I walked with him to the end of the terrace and saw him go down the
avenue. Then I returned to this room, and found Miss Denham waiting by
the desk. I asked her what she wanted. She asked for her wages, as she
was leaving the next day. I had no ready money, and promised to see to
it before she departed. Then she went out, and shortly afterwards Miss
Kent came in to say she had seen the man go down the avenue. She asked
me who he was, and I was rather short with her, poor creature!" and
Morley sighed.

"I wonder why the man went to church."

"I can't say that; but I can guess that when he knew who Daisy was he
wanted to speak to her."

"What about?" asked Steel eagerly.

"About me and the summons. You see, Steel, there is a half-uncle of
Daisy Kent's who went to Australia. He said that if he made his fortune
he would leave the money to her. Whether he is dead or alive I don't
know, but certainly she did not get any money left to her. Powell's
solicitors are Asher, Son, and Asher----"

"Powell? I thought the uncle would be called Kent, unless, of course, he
was uncle by the mother's side."

"I said half-uncle," said Morley dryly. "Powell is his name--William
Powell--and his solicitors are those who issued that judgment summons. I
expect the clerk wanted to tell Daisy about my position and warn her
against lending me money.