Richardson's First Case by Basil Thomson Read Free Book Online Page A

volatile friend to humility; he toyed with the idea of his hospitality at the Savoy; he picked up the telephone and called for his car. “Come along, then, I’ll take you at your word.”
    They had scarcely started when a rather dingy visiting card was brought to Sir William Lorimer: “Mr. J. B. Settle, Solicitor, 7 John Street, Adelphi.”
    â€œDid he say what his business was?” he asked the messenger.
    â€œYes, sir, it was about the Catchpool case.”
    â€œTake him to Mr. Morden.”
    â€œMr. Morden has just gone out, Sir William, I heard him tell the driver to go to High Street, Marylebone.”
    â€œVery well, show the visitor in.”
    Mr. J. B. Settle proved to be an aged person dressed in professional black, carrying a tall hat much in need of ironing. Sir William put his age at at least seventy. “Sit down,” he said hospitably. “You’ve come to give us information?”
    â€œRather to ask you for information, Sir William,” the visitor replied in a high, quavering voice. “I was solicitor both to the late John Catchpool and his wife. I drew their wills, and I am the sole executor. You may not know that the late Mr. Catchpool was a man of considerable property.”
    â€œI thought he kept an antique shop in Marylebone.”
    â€œHe did, but he was also a registered moneylender, and all his savings were invested in house property. I have not yet been able to make an exact valuation, but on a rough computation I should say that his estate will prove to be at least £80,000.”
    â€œIndeed, and who is the heir?”
    â€œThat is the very point that I have come about. His will was made many years ago, and I believe that it still stands. He left everything to his wife if she survived him; otherwise, everything was to go to his nephew, Herbert Reece. The point which I, as executor, have to be guided by is which of the two, the husband or the wife, died first. I read in this morning’s paper the theory that the husband killed the wife at some time before 5:30 p.m. and afterwards met his death in a motor accident; but, naturally, I do not attach much importance to newspaper theories. That is why I’ve taken the liberty of coming to you.”
    â€œThe inquest has not yet been held, Mr. Settle. Why not wait for the jury’s verdict?”
    â€œI was afraid you might say that, Sir William. Of course, the will cannot be proved until after the inquest, but I wish, if possible, to avoid litigation. Under Mrs. Catchpool’s will her property is bequeathed absolutely to her nephew, a lieutenant in the navy, and if she survived her husband, even by a minute, her estate will include all her husband’s property as well.”
    â€œWhat is the nephew’s name?”
    â€œLieutenant Michael Sharp.”
    Sir William Lorimer was betrayed into emitting a low whistle. “Why is there any need for haste?”
    â€œI may tell you confidentially, Sir William, that I am being rather pestered by Mr. Catchpool’s nephew, Herbert Reece, who regards himself as the sole heir and wishes me as executor to advance money to him to be charged against the estate. Personally, any advice you may be able to give me will greatly relieve me.”
    â€œI think I can say offhand that it would be unwise at this stage to do anything on the supposition that either the husband or the wife died first. In your case I should wait for the evidence given at the inquest, which cannot be long delayed; but what you tell me about the wills is very interesting, and I am much obliged to you.”
    Sir William Lorimer felt a passing irritation that Morden should have chosen this moment for leaving the office. It was the kind of situation in which his man of law revelled.
    The man of law with his naval friend had caught Foster as he was leaving the office and taken him with them as a guide. He had the key of the shop in his pocket. “Now, sir,”