“No doubt,” observed Mr. Stanmore, addressing William Thornton, “you were observed carrying the casket and watched, and whilst the tired little girl slept and you obtained refreshment, the theft was committed.”
“If you look at the lead,” said Mr. Robins, who had examined it, “you will easily see it is the lead used for ships’ scuppers, put in to make the weight up. Less than an hour to an expert hand would complete the job, if provided with a watch-saw and a piece of wax.”
Mr. Robins, having partaken of a glass or two of wine, then retired.
“This is a sad misfortune for the little girl,” said Mr. Stanmore, feelingly. “I could very well perceive Sir Godfrey was exceedingly rejoiced to get rid of his relationship to Miss Arden. No doubt she has a large claim upon the estate, as Mr. Granby Arden’s only child.”
“Sir Godfrey Etherton,” observed William Thornton, with great bitterness, “may yet be made sorely to repent his almost brutal cruelty to his lawful niece. Besides, it is by no means certain that her brother is dead; and, if he still exists, he will strip this proud and heartless man of both title and fortune. In the meantime, Mr. Stanmore, something must be done for Miss Arden, till her mother, the Duchess of Coulancourt, can get to this country.”
“I shall be most happy to assist you in any way, Master Thornton,” observed the solicitor.
“Well, then, Mr. Stanmore,” continued our hero, “as she cannot remain a burden upon Madame Volney, whose means are limited, I should wish her to be placed in one of the best establishments for young ladies in the vicinity of London, and no pains spared in her education. I can place six hundred pounds prize-money in your hands for that purpose, and I am quite satisfied Madame Volney will pay her every attention till her mother arrives.”
“You’re a jewel of a boy, by my conscience you are!” exclaimed Lieutenant O’Loughlin, vehemently, and clasping his favourite by the hand; “and, harkee! Mr. Stanmore, I’ll place the same sum in your hands, and that will make a clear twelve hundred for the little girl, and last her till, please the Fates! we knock double the amount out of Monsieur Crapeau.”
Mr. Stanmore was much moved by the simple, noble conduct of the two sailors; he remarked that he had two daughters at school with a most talented and highly-educated lady, who received only a few pupils, and resided about fifteen miles out of London. By this lady Miss Arden would have every kindness shown her, and have the very best masters.
“Now, I have a couple of hours’ business to transact, but I shall expect you both to dinner; and, after that very necessary daily occupation is over, we shall have full time to settle everything.”