"And his wife."
"It is preposterous," said McCloud, "to think of his wife in connection with a criminal act, and one in which she could have no conceivable interest. As a matter of fact, I have reason to believe that though they once had an estrangement——"
"Ah, there had been trouble between them?"
"A temporary drawing apart apparently, but, as I was saying, I have reason to believe, to know in fact, that they have become reconciled, and been reunited. Their going away together is proof positive of that."
"It's very mysterious, isn't it?" said Gifford. "His papers? Did he take them with him or leave them here?"
"He went away very hurriedly, taking with him nothing, so far as I know, except some of his clothes. He left some papers and documents, not many, which I put carefully in a marked envelope, to await his instructions."
"And of course you know nothing of the contents of those documents?"
"Absolutely nothing. I know he offered to return the certificates of stock to the asphalt company, but they ignored his letter."
"I needn't warn you, Doctor, to take good care of those papers."
"No one here would think of disturbing them any more than I would. If I should die before they are called for by Hal, I have written instructions on the outside of the envelope to have them sent to my sister in Washington, who will hold them until she can put them in possession of the owner."