Why do I think that?
Because the probability is that Pratt said to your mother, 'I have got
John Mallathorpe's will! It doesn't leave his property to your son and
daughter. Therefore, I have all of you at my mercy. Make it worth my
while, or I will bring the will forward.' Do you see that situation?"
"Then," replied Nesta, after a moment's reflection, "you do think that
my mother was very anxious to get that document--a will--from Pratt?"
Collingwood knew what she was thinking of--her mind was still uneasy
about Pratt's account of the affair of the foot-bridge. But--the matter
had to be faced.
"I think your mother would naturally be very anxious to secure such a
document," he said. "You must remember that according to Pratt's story
to you, she tried to buy it from him--just as you did yourself, though
you, of course, had no idea of what it was you wanted to buy."
"What I wanted to buy," she answered readily, "was necessity from
further interference! But--is there no way of compelling Pratt to give
up that document--whatever it is? Can't he be made to give it up?"
"A way is may be being made, just now--through another affair," replied
Collingwood. "At present matters are vague. One couldn't go to Pratt and
demand something at which one is, after all, only guessing. Your mother,
of course, would deny that she knows what it is that Pratt holds.
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