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Benker grew rather nervous, as she did not think how she could support an interview, and, also, she wanted to know what the interview was for. To some extent Giles had to take her into his confidence, but he suppressed the fact that he suspected Franklin of the crime. He merely stated that Steel who had introduced Giles to Mrs.
"Oh, he was, was he? Would you have called him a gentleman?" "He always paid his rent duly," hesitated Mrs. Benker, "so far he was a perfect gentleman. But I have lived as a lady's maid in the best families, sir, and I don't think Mr. Wilson was what you or I would call an aristocrat." "I see. So you were a lady's maid once. In what families?" Mrs.
"It is that," assented Giles dolefully, "and we're no further on with it than we were before." "Nonsense, man. We have found out Wilson's real name." "Well, that is something certainly, and his brother may be able to put us on his track. If he asks about Mrs. Benker, say that she is a friend of my housekeeper. You can say you heard it from your wife."
The three clerks who sat in the outer rooms were also elderly, and the sole youthful creature about the place was the office boy, a red-haired imp who answered to the name of Alexander. His surname was Benker, but was not thought sufficiently dignified for use in so sedate a place of business.
He said he wished me to get on that I was a smart boy, and a credit to my mother." "So you are," answered Steel genially. "I'm sure she'll give you a proof of her approval to-day. Now don't cry, boy." Steel shook Alexander, and then demanded suddenly, "You copy all the letters, do you not?" "Yes, I do," answered Master Benker, wondering why this was asked. "And you read them sometimes?"
As a rule a ride in a hansom would have been a joy to Master Benker, but he was too much afraid of the meeting with his mother to take any pleasure in the treat. However, he relied on the promise of the detective that he would sooth the maternal ire, and managed to reply fairly well to the questions Steel asked. These referred to Mr. Wilson. "Who is he?" demanded the detective.
At other times he would stay at home the whole of the twenty-four hours. But he always paid his rent regularly, and gave little trouble over his food. Yes," added Mrs. Benker, smoothing her apron, "Mr. Wilson was always a gentleman. I will say that." "Humph!" thought Steel, taking all this in eagerly. "A queer kind of gentleman," he added aloud. "Did you know anything else about him, Mrs. Benker?"
Morley had arranged that Franklin should meet him there, and was to be late, so as to afford Mrs. Benker an opportunity of speaking to the man. Morley and Ware concealed themselves in the summer-house and saw Mrs. Benker parading the grass. Shortly Franklin arrived, walking slowly, and Mrs. Benker saluted him. "I beg your pardon, sir," said Mrs.
My brother has a beautiful voice, Mrs. Benker; and much harm he has done with it amongst your sex." "He never harmed me," said Mrs. Benker, bridling. "I am a respectable woman and a widow with one son. But your brother " "He's a blackguard," interrupted Franklin; "hand and glove with the very worst people in London. You may be thankful he did not cut your throat or steal your furniture."
"I'll do my best," responded Steel; "that is, if you will give me some information about your late lodger, Mr. Wilson." "Why should I do that?" asked Mrs. Benker suspiciously. "Because Mr. Asher wishes to know all about him. You see, your son allowed Mr. Wilson to serve this summons, and it is necessary that Mr. Asher should learn where he is." "That's only fair; but I don't know. Mr.
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