Page:Fletcher - The Mortover Grange Affair.pdf/100

 thing about the Mortover family history and their estates, ever since there was either estates or Mortovers!"

"Ah!" exclaimed Wedgwood. "That's what I want! Who, now?"

"Mr. Charles Umpeltye! He's a solicitor in the town—the oldest solicitor. And he's an antiquary and an historian—all that sort of thing. Mad on it! They say he knows the history and pedigree of every family round here, from peers to peasants. Queer old chap, but quite easy to approach, especially if you want information on his favourite topics," said the superintendent. He glanced at the clock over his mantelpiece. "Take you round to see him now, if you like," he went on. "It's close by—that old house at the back of the parish church."

"By all means!" responded Wedgwood. "But—a moment! Is Mr. Umpeltye the sort I can speak to as freely as I've spoken to you?"

"Why, he's a solicitor," answered the superintendent, smiling. "You mean—has he got to the garrulous stage? Scarcely, I think. If I were you I should tell him all you've told me. He may be able to throw a bit of light on the subject."

Wedgwood replied that if Mr. Charles Umpeltye had the family history of the Mortovers at