"I accept the trust my brother has bequeathed to me, and shall claim the child."
Saying which he rose, bowed slightly, and left the room.
CHAPTER XII
A LOSING FIGHT
It was as if a thunderbolt had fallen from a clear sky. Margaret dropped back like one shot. Judge Kirtley and the attorney looked after the disappearing figure and then at each other.
Before they had time to recover from their astonishment Margaret started up in a quiver of excitement.
"Where has he gone? Is he after Philip?"
Before they could remonstrate she was out of the room and hurrying up the stairs.
"Had you any knowledge, sir, of the stand Mr. De Jarnette was going to take?" demanded Judge Kirtley, sternly.
"Not the slightest. It is as much of a surprise to me as to you."