“Yes,” said Mr. Marchmont, “I think we may take that as nearly certain.”

“With reference to the second will,” said Thorndyke, “I suppose there is no need to ask whether the document itself has been examined; I mean as to its being a genuine document and perfectly regular?”

Mr. Marchmont shook his head sadly.

“No,” he said, “I am sorry to say that there can be no possible doubt as to the authenticity and regularity of the document. The circumstances under which it was executed establish its genuineness beyond any question.”

“What were those circumstances?” Thorndyke asked.