Strona 403 z 657

"I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To

determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the

present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The

total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little

short of £ 1,100, is now, through the fall in agricultural

prices, not more than £ 750. Each daughter can claim an income of

£ 250, in case of marriage. It is evident, therefore, that if

both girls had married, this beauty would have had a mere

pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to a very

serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, since it

has proved that he has the very strongest motives for standing in

the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, this is too

serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is aware that we

are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you are ready, we

shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be very much

obliged if you would slip your revolver into your pocket.