Walter Hine grew uncomfortable, and blurted out with a cockney twang-- "Maunders told me that if I came to see you it might be to my advantage." "I think it will," replied Mr.Jarvice.

"Have you seen this morning's paper ?" "On'y the 'Sportsman'." "Then you have probably not noticed that your cousin, John Lattery, has been killed in the Alps." He handed his newspaper to Hine, who glanced at it indifferently.
"Well, how does that affect me ?" he asked.
"It leaves you the only heir to your uncle, Mr.Joseph Hine, wine-grower at Macon, who, I believe, is a millionaire.

Joseph Hine is domiciled in France, and must by French law leave a certain portion of his property to his relations, in other words, to you.

I have taken some trouble to go into the matter, Mr.Hine, and I find that your share must at the very least amount to two hundred thousand pounds." "I know all about that," Hine interrupted.

"But as the old brute won't acknowledge me and may live another twenty years, it's not much use to me now." "Well," said Mr.Jarvice, smiling suavely, "my young friend, that is where I come in." Walter Hine looked up in surprise.