The New Collected Short Stories Read Online Free Page A

conclusively whether they really care for me, or simply for the prospect of my wealth.’
    ‘I can’t wait to learn what you have in mind,’ said Frank.
    Cornelius swirled the brandy round in his glass while he collected his thoughts.
    ‘As you are well aware, each of the five people I have named has at some time in the past asked me for a loan. I have never required anything in writing, as I have always considered the
repayment of these debts to be a matter of trust. These loans range from £100,000 to my brother Hugh to purchase the lease for his shop – which I understand is doing quite well –
to my housekeeper Pauline, who borrowed £500 for a deposit on a secondhand car. Even young Timothy needed £1,000 to pay off his university loan, and as he seems to be progressing well
in his chosen profession, it should not be too much to ask him – like all of the others – to repay his debt.’
    ‘And the second test?’ enquired Frank.
    ‘Since Millie’s death, each of them has performed some little service for me, which they have always insisted they enjoyed carrying out, rather than it being a chore. I’m about
to find out if they are willing to do the same for a penniless old man.’
    ‘But how will you know . . .’ began Frank.
    ‘I think that will become obvious as the weeks go by. And in any case, there is a third test, which I believe will settle the matter.’
    Frank stared across at his friend. ‘Is there any point in trying to talk you out of this crazy idea?’ he asked.
    ‘No, there is not,’ replied Cornelius without hesitation. ‘I am resolved in this matter, although I accept that I cannot make the first move, let alone bring it to a
conclusion, without your cooperation.’
    ‘If it is truly what you want me to do, Cornelius, then I shall carry out your instructions to the letter, as I have always done in the past. But on this occasion there must be one
proviso.’
    ‘And what might that be?’ asked Cornelius.
    ‘I shall not charge a fee for this commission, so that I will be able to attest to anyone who should ask that I have not benefited from your shenanigans.’
    ‘But . . .’
    ‘No “buts”, old friend. I made a handsome profit from my original shareholding when you sold the company. You must consider this a small attempt to say thank you.’
    Cornelius smiled. ‘It is I who should be grateful, and indeed I am, as always, conscious of your valued assistance over the years. You are truly a good friend, and I swear I would leave my
entire estate to you if you weren’t a bachelor, and if I didn’t know it wouldn’t change your way of life one iota.’
    ‘No, thank you,’ said Frank with a chuckle. ‘If you did that, I would only have to carry out exactly the same test with a different set of characters.’ He paused.
‘So, what is your first move?’
    Cornelius rose from his chair. ‘Tomorrow you will send out five letters informing those concerned that a bankruptcy notice has been served on me, and that I require any outstanding loans
to be repaid in full, and as quickly as possible.’
    Frank had already begun making notes on a little pad he always carried with him. Twenty minutes later, when he had written down Cornelius’s final instruction, he placed the pad back in an
inside pocket, drained his glass and stubbed out his cigar.
    When Cornelius rose to accompany him to the front door, Frank asked, ‘But what is to be the third of your tests, the one you’re convinced will prove so conclusive?’
    The old solicitor listened carefully as Cornelius outlined an idea of such ingenuity that he departed feeling all the victims would be left with little choice but to reveal their true
colours.
    The first person to call Cornelius on Saturday morning was his brother Hugh. It must have been only moments after he had opened Frank’s letter. Cornelius had the distinct
feeling that someone else was listening in on the conversation.
    ‘I’ve just received a letter from