Third Period Chapter 62 The Board of Directors

At a Board Meeting of the Royal Unicorn Life Insurance Company,
specially convened, the Chairman had to make a communication of a very
remarkable character.

"Gentlemen," he said, "I call upon the Secretary, without further
introduction, to read a letter, to consider which you are called
together this day."

"The letter," the Secretary began, "is simply headed 'Paris,' dated two
days ago."

"Only two days ago," said the Chairman, mysteriously. "But, of course,
that means nothing. There has been plenty of time for him to change his
residence. I dare say he may be in London at our very elbow. Go on, if
you please."

"Gentlemen"--the Secretary proceeded to read the letter. "It is now
three months since a claim was sent in to you by the firm of Erskine,
Mansfield, Denham & Co., solicitors of Lincoln's Inn Fields, for the
sum of 15,000 pounds due to the heirs of Lord Harry Norland in respect
of an insurance effected upon his life."

"The claim, gentlemen," said the Chairman, "was duly acknowledged and
paid some weeks later. It was a heavy loss; but these things will
occur, and there seemed no reason to doubt the facts alleged, or to
dispute the claim."

"I write this letter," the Secretary continued reading, "in order to
inform you that the claim was fraudulent, inasmuch as Lord Harry
Norland was at the time, and is still, actually living."