"Yes, we had better do it at once," he remarked as if to himself. "It will not do to run any risk."
"Do what, Father?" Margaret enquired.
"Have that Bramshaw detained. I have received some additional information to-day, and with what Miss Sinclair has just told me it should be enough to arrest any man. Now, I must come to the question I wish to speak to you about," and he turned to Lois. "You have told me your story and in return I shall relate one perhaps of a more startling nature."
"In connection with this same affair?" Lois eagerly asked.
"It has a direct bearing upon it. It has to do with the mystery which has been surrounding the life of old David."
"And does it clear it up?"
"Wait, please, until I am through, and you can judge for yourself," Mr.
Westcote smilingly told her.
"I shall be as patient as Job," Lois replied, as she settled herself in her chair as comfortably as possible.
"My story might seem strange to you," Mr. Westcote began. "In fact, it has always seemed strange to me, and sometimes I think that I shall wake up and find it nothing more than a dream. Well, without going into details, which would not interest you, it is sufficient to say that I came to this country over two years ago on one of the strangest commissions ever given to man. I was handed two sealed papers numbered 1 and 2, with strict orders to break the seal of paper Number 1 only upon my arrival in Canada, and then I should find my instructions in reference to Number 2."
"What were the instructions?" Lois eagerly asked, as Mr. Westcote paused for a few seconds as if considering how to proceed.