"Telford has been living in a house on Long Island, hoping that he might trace poor young Jim — if the boy is still alive.
"Lately, he got the idea that maybe if his son was dead, the spirits could be of help. That's how he happened to get in touch with Professor Jacques.
"So far, the information is meager, but Jacques has learned one thing that is going to help. Telford has accumulated everything pertaining to his son— letters that young Jim wrote; a diary that he kept; newspaper clippings; photographs and what not."
"Did Jacques see any of them?" questioned Slade.
"No," replied the rajah. "That's the best part of it. The old man has them all in a safe out on Long Island. He's living alone in a small home. An old housekeeper is there, but she's a bit deaf. Jacques talked to her on the telephone once."
"So my job is—"
"To crack that safe some night when Telford is away. Find out all you can — but don't leave any traces. Telford said something about going up to Boston to-morrow to see an old seaman who was on the same boat with his son.
"Get this: the old man talks about his grief, but he's cagey. That's why I like it. When I begin to give him specific information, he will fall like a ton of bricks."
"If he's going to be away," said Slade thoughtfully, "I may be able to bring the stuff in here, and take it back after you've looked at it."
"Great!" exclaimed the rajah. "If you can work it that way, so much the better."