Wolfenden hesitated; yet why not tell the man the truth? He had nothing to gain by concealment.
“He forced himself into my father’s house in Norfolk and obtained, either by force or craft, some valuable papers. My father was in delicate health, and we fear that the shock will cost him his reason.”
“Do you want to know what they were?” Felix said. “I can tell you! Do you want to know what he required them for? I can tell you that too! He has concocted a marvellous scheme, and if he is left to himself for another hour or two, he will succeed. But I have no fear; I have set working a mightier machinery than even he can grapple with!”
They had walked together into the smoke-room; Felix seemed somewhat shaken and was glad to rest for a few minutes.
“Has he outstepped the law, been guilty of any crime?” Wolfenden asked; “he is daring enough!”
Felix laughed shortly. He was lighting a cigarette, but his hand trembled so that he could scarcely hold the match.
“A further reaching arm than the law,” he said, dropping his voice, “more powerful than governments. Even by this time his whereabouts is known. If we are only in time; that is the only fear.”
“Cannot you tell us,” Wolfenden asked, “something of this wonderful scheme of his—why was he so anxious to get those papers and drawings from my father—to what purpose can he possibly put them?”
Felix hesitated.