Anyhow, in 1763, he fought a duel with Hume's son, his own nephew by marriage, and was killed." "Really," broke in Brett, "this ancient history--" "Is quite to the point.

Sir Alan the first fought and died in front of the library at Beechcroft." The barrister commenced to study the moulding in the centre of the ceiling.
"He was succeeded by his grandson, a little lad of eight.

In 1807, after a heavy drinking bout, the second Sir Alan Hume-Frazer cut his throat, and chose the scene of his ancestor's duel for the operation." "A remarkable coincidence!" "In 1842, during a bread riot, the third baronet was stabbed with a pitchfork whilst facing a mob in the same place.

Then a long interval occurred.

Again a small child became the heir.