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Frank continued to puff away at his cigar without interrupting his friend From the expression on his face, he are that the coambit He suspected he would have to wait some time before Cornelius revealed his next move

‘When I first set up the coo, it was you as responsible for executing the original deeds; and I don’t believe I’ve signed a legal document since that day which has not crossed your desk – so that was unquestionably a major factor in my success’

‘It’s generous of you to say so,’ said Frank, before taking another sip of brandy, ‘but the truth is that it was always your originality and enterprise that th – gifts that the gods decided not to bestow onme with little choice but to be a mere functionary’

‘You have always underestimated your contribution to the company’s success, Frank, but I am in no doubt of the role you played over the years’

‘Where is this all leading?’ asked Frank with a smile

‘Patience, my friend,’ said Cornelius ‘I still have a few e puff of his cigar ‘As you knohen I sold the coo, it had been my intention to slon for the first time in years I had promised to take Millie on an extended holiday to India and the Far East – ’ he paused ‘ – but that was not to be’

Frank nodded his head in understanding

‘Her death served to remind er to live’

‘No, no, ood o yet’

‘You h it was you who made me start to think seriously about the future’

‘Me?’ said Frank, looking puzzled

‘Yes Don’t you remy will?’

‘Yes, I do,’ said Frank, ‘but that was only because in your present will virtually everything is left to Millie’