Page:Fletcher - The Mortover Grange Affair.pdf/220

 "I?" he exclaimed. "No, indeed! I don't know Mr. or Mrs. Wraypoole—never heard of them!"

"Mr. Wraypoole, until yesterday, had a business—oil and colour warehouse near here," answered Wedgwood. "But I've seen your signature to these verifications! Your signature and address!"

"Then you've seen forgeries!" said Mr. Pugh. "I've never signed a verification for a passport in my life—never even seen a form! You say you've seen my signature?" He seized pen and paper and dashed off his name. "Was that it?"

"No!" exclaimed Wedgwood. "The name, of course, but not the writing. So—Wraypoole must have forged your name to those documents?"

"Looks like it," agreed Mr. Pugh. "Where is Wraypoole?"

"I wish I knew!" said the detective. He made his adieu and went off. "I'll let you know when I find him!" he added, with a significant smile as he opened the door. "You shall know, quick enough!"

"Thank you!" said Mr. Pugh. "Deeply interested, I'm sure!"

Wedgwood went off muttering to himself. So Thomas was bold enough to do that, was he?