"I do not. There was nothing to call for special investigation into the matter."
"But the notes can be traced."
"Perhaps. The habit of a man to keep large sums by him is generally of long standing, and Peterssen was probably acquainted with M. Felix's peculiarity in this respect. The visit he paid to Mrs. Middlemore and the plan he carried into effect for being left alone in the house may have been inspired by the hope that he would discover one of M. Felix's hiding-places for his money. I conclude that he was disappointed; on the night of M. Felix's disappearance he left no money behind him. Too old a bird for that."
The earnestness with which Bob had set forth his views had caused him to forget his cultivated method of speaking in short sentences. Now he relapsed into it.
"Adopting your theory," I said, "that M. Felix is living, do you think that he and Dr. Peterssen have met?"
"Should say not. To-night--when Sophy saw his ghost--was probably on his way to Tylney House. For what purpose, to us unknown."
"Bob, you said there was work for us to do. I confess myself at a loss how to proceed. M. Bordier's visit to you and his appropriation of the document hidden in the secret drawer have snapped the threads of my plans. Have you anything to suggest?"
"I have. Early to-morrow morning endeavor to find M. Bordier. Then consult with him."
"You do not propose that we should leave this spot at once?"
"No. If M. Bordier not in the village do something else before leaving. Pay a bold visit to Tylney House."