"The thing is—what could they profit by if you were out of the way?"
"I don't know."
"Could they claim that property, the papers of which are missing?"
"No sir; the property belongs to my mother—at least I think it does."
"Your father might have willed it to you."
"In that case my mother would have told me of it."
"You should have gone back to Westville at once and made a search. Your mother will be worried over your absence."
"I have already written to her, telling her all. I don't see the use of going back just now. Those men have most likely skipped out."
"That is true."
"And now I had come to New York, I thought I would take a look around before I went back. I may not get the chance again. Besides, I only had a job on the lakes running the pleasure sloop, and I would like to strike something better if it's to be had."