"Yes. The collection, although in the physical possession of Mrs.
Fleming, is still an undistributed asset."

"I thought so." Rand got out Gladys Fleming's letter of authorization and
handed it to Goode. "As you'll see by that, I was retained by, and only
by, Mrs. Fleming," he said. "I am assuming that her interests are
identical with those of the other heirs, but I realize that this is true
only to a very limited extent. It's my understanding that relations
between the three ladies are not the most pleasant."

Goode produced a short, croaking laugh. "Now there's a cautious
understatement," he commented. "Mr. Rand, I feel that you should know
that all three hate each other poisonously."

"That was rather my impression. Now, I expect some trouble, from Mrs.
Dunmore and/or Mrs. Varcek, either or both of whom are sure to accuse me
of having been brought into this by Mrs. Fleming to help her defraud the
others. That, of course, is not the case; they will all profit equally by
my participation in this. But I'm going to have trouble convincing them
of that."

"Yes. You will," Goode agreed. "Would you rather carry my authorization
than Mrs. Fleming's?"

"Yes, indeed, Mr. Goode. To tell the truth, that was why I came here,
for one reason. You will not be obligated in any way by authorizing me
to act as your agent--I'm getting my fee from Mrs. Fleming--but I would
be obligated to represent her only as far as her interests did not
improperly conflict with those of the other heirs, and that's what I