Against the Brotherhood Read Online Free Page B

have heard that they are planning some mischief abroad. I need to know what they are doing in Europe as well as in England. They will need to be certain of your aims before you learn these things.”
    “As you wish,” I told him, and started toward the rear door. “Remind me of the circumstances of your father’s will, Mister Jeffries,” Mycroft Holmes demanded suddenly.
    “He died in Europe four years ago while with a hunting party, leaving the greater part of his fortune to the children of his second wife, my half-brothers, and what I had been bequeathed was placed in trust for the use of my wife and children so long as we lived in England, as my father considered me profligate,” I answered at once, trying to infuse my recitation with a sound of ill-usage.
    “And what do you want the solicitor to do?” he went on.
    “I want the solicitor to get some of that money to enable me to bring, my family here. I want him to break the trust, if he can. I want to claim my inheritance without hindrance of any kind. It would mean falsifying certain claims, but it would provide me some very necessary funds in order to get them passage.” I tried to sound avaricious as I spoke. “My father’s will would allow release of the money only when my family is in England. I would have to get the solicitor to affirm that they were residents here before their actual arrival. Considering they would be with me now if my father had not hit upon so absurd a kick...” I looked uneasily at my employer. “What will happen if such a will cannot be found?”
    “Rest assured, after some trouble in locating it, the clerks will be able to produce a will, and a certificate of death,” Mycroft Holmes informed me.
    “And the delay will increase my embarrassment,” I said, anticipating his strategy. “So I will be eager for anything they offer me that leads to resolving my plight.”
    “Exactly,” he said, and took his watch from its pocket. “Time to be under way,” I agreed.
    “Tell me, what stars are influencing you now?” Mycroft Holmes rapped out as I reached to open the door.
    “Saturn and Jupiter, both badly,” I answered, recalling my instructions over luncheon. “And at present the Moon is negatively influencing my First House. The aspect will change tomorrow, when I hope to hear from my half-brother.”
    “Who is?” prompted Mycroft Holmes.
    “Edward Montjoy, a merchant in Norfolk in the wool trade. Recently a man of that name was forced to sell his partnership to Mister Howell, who now owns the company outright. Mister Montjoy has left Norfolk, and the understanding is that he has gone to America to make his fortune there, since he has not been able to do it in England. His wife was named Anna and she died last year of a lingering fever. Montjoy has taken his one surviving child with him, and nothing is known of the lad.”
    “Very good; the Brotherhood can check on these facts and they will be borne out. Richard Howell has, in fact, recently bought out his partner, Edward Montjoy, that much is in the records of the court. Let them discover this for themselves. It will make your plight the more real when you learn that your half-brother cannot help you, indeed, he cannot be found.” He smiled coldly. “Remember that this news will be very unwelcome, in spite of the fact that you and Montjoy have not seen each other for more than ten years.”
    “Do you think anyone will believe that?” I asked, trepidation stealing over me now that I was about to start on my assignment. “Why should I contact a half-brother from whom I am estranged? Why should these men believe I would do such a thing, if we are not on good terms, Montjoy and I?”
    “You will have to demonstrate to them your sincerity. Because you have to convince the Brotherhood of the extremity of your predicament. That is also the reason you want a not-too-scrupulous solicitor, in order to press your claim on your late father’s estate. You may tell them that