It appeared that he went abroad last summer,--it is thought that he went to the States on some matters of business--and has not since been heard of." Helmsley kept an immovable face.
"He may possibly have got murdered for his money," went on Angus reflectively--"though I don't see how such an act could benefit the murderer.

Because his death wouldn't stop the accumulation of his millions, which would eventually go to his heir." "Has he an heir ?" enquired Helmsley placidly.
"Oh, he's sure to have left his vast fortune to somebody," replied Reay.
"He had two sons, so I was told--but they're dead.

It's possible he may have left everything to Lucy Sorrel." "Ah yes! Quite possible!" "Of course," went on Reay, "it's only the newspapers that say he's dead--and there never was a newspaper yet that could give an absolutely veracious account of anything.

His lawyers--a famous firm, Vesey and Symonds,--have written a sort of circular letter to the press stating that the report of his death is erroneous--that he is travelling for health's sake, and on account of a desire for rest and privacy, does not wish his whereabouts to be made publicly known." Helmsley smiled.
"I knew I might trust Vesey!" he thought.

Aloud he said-- "Well, I should believe the gentleman's lawyers more than the newspaper reporters.