Tamaroo nodded. "I have the will."
"And is Mr. Lancaster the elder dead?"
"Yes, sir," said the negro with emotion. "He died a year ago. And I could not see him die, alas!" he added, much moved.
"Why not, were you away?"
Tamaroo again shook his head and looked mournful. Then, sinking his voice to a whisper, he said: "My master was a leper."
Eustace jumped up with an ejaculation of disgust and pity. "For how long was he a leper?" he asked, thinking of the money.
"From the time he sent my young master to the lady aunt. It was for that reason he parted with him. I remained, but my master would not let me attend to him, lest I also should take the disease--and I had this to do." He again touched his breast-pocket.
"So it was you who sent the money from 'Frisco?"
"It was I, sir. My master told me to send it, till I could give up the fortune to my young master."
"And you have come to do that?"