"Well, then, one day she followed him there, and found that he had buried the notes and gold in a box. She made him confess all, which he did, only he never told her that Captain Kyles had made him sign a confession."
"I wonder that Pope was so foolish as to do that."
"He would not have done that had not Kyles promised to save him by taking him to South America. Then he thought that he was safe and Kyles certainly would have kept his word had not Trent and his policemen arrived. I was angry with Ritson for having warned Trent, but as events proved it was just as well."
"I thought you intended yourself to warn Trent," said Elspeth.
"So I did, dear, but then, from certain information I learned I fancied that your father might be guilty."
"What, papa? Oh no. He would do many wrong things, I know, but not----"
"Well," said Herries dryly, "I don't think he'd even stop short of murder to get money. But there is no danger of his doing anything of that sort now, as he has his five hundred a year. He is coming to see us to-night, Elspeth, and then intends to go to-morrow to the North there to live always."
"I am glad of that," said the daughter heartily. "Papa is not a good man, Angus, and the further away from us he is the better. But do you know," she added smiling, "I really thought that papa would have married Mrs. Mountford."
"There was not the least chance of that, dear, although he certainly admired her. Poor Mrs. Mountford, I am glad I allowed her an annuity as she certainly has had a very bad time. She felt the loss of Maud very much."
"Why was not Maud saved?" asked Elspeth.