"Yes; and came to have a talk with Mr. Stillwell. Where is he?"

In a few words I told him what had happened. The lawyer was much surprised.

"This will change things a great deal, especially if your uncle does not recover," he said. "I think we ought to go up to the house and see him."

"But he is very ill——" I began.

"All the more reason we should see him. He may have something to say before his death, if this stroke is fatal."

I could not help but shiver at the words. It seemed awful to me that my uncle should die, at such a time, when he was least prepared!

"I'll do whatever you think best, Mr. Mason," I replied.

"Then come. We will go at once. Delays are always dangerous."

In a moment more we were on the way. While seated in the Elevated car he asked me to tell him my whole story, and I did so, just as I have written it here.

"Will you let me see that letter from London?" he asked.