‘He did.’
‘Where is that box now?’
‘We have it here.’
‘Would you allow me to examine the papers?’
‘Why?’ asked Donald, evincing some surprise.
‘Because it is possible—I only say it is possible—that I might find something amongst them that will help me in my inquiry.’
Something like an ironical smile flitted across Donald’s face as he said:
‘I don’t think that is at all likely.’
‘And yet, in the interest of all concerned, I should like to put it to the test. May I do so?’
‘You may,’ answered Donald, after a pause, ‘if my mother and brother have no objections to your taking that course.’