And the solicitor listened quietly and
attentively to both, and in the end turned to Collingwood.
"I'll withdraw my opinion about the nature of the document which Pratt
got hold of," he said. "What he's got is what you think--John
Mallathorpe's will!"
"If I may venture an opinion," remarked Byner, "that's dead certain!"
"And now," continued Eldrick, "we're faced with a nice situation! Don't
either of you forget this fact. Not out of willingness on her part, but
because she's got to do it, Mrs. Mallathorpe and Pratt are partners in
that affair. He's got the will--but she knows its contents. She'll pay
any price to Pratt to keep them from ever becoming known or operative.
But, as I say, don't you forget something!"
"What?" asked Collingwood.
Eldrick tapped the edge of the table, emphasizing his words as he spoke
them.
"They can destroy that will whenever they like!" he said. "And once
destroyed, nothing can absolutely prove that it ever existed!"
"The duplicate?" suggested Collingwood.
"Nothing to give us the faintest idea as to its existence!" said
Eldrick.
"We might advertise," said Collingwood.
"Lots of advertising was done when John Mallathorpe died," replied the
solicitor. "No!--if any person had had it in possession, it would have
turned up then. It may be--probably is--possibly must be--somewhere--and
may yet come to light.
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