evidence against him."

"I wish nothing better," said our client. "All I ask is that

you should hear and recognise the absolute truth."

Lestrade looked at his watch. "I'll give you half an hour,"

said he.

"I must explain first," said McFarlane, "that I knew nothing of

Mr. Jonas Oldacre. His name was familiar to me, for many years

ago my parents were acquainted with him, but they drifted apart.

I was very much surprised, therefore, when yesterday, about

three o'clock in the afternoon, he walked into my office in the

City. But I was still more astonished when he told me the object

of his visit. He had in his hand several sheets of a note-book,

covered with scribbled writing -- here they are -- and he laid

them on my table.

"`Here is my will,' said he. `I want you, Mr. McFarlane, to cast

it into proper legal shape. I will sit here while you do so.'

15.08.2007