“Well,” he said, “is there any news?”
“Everything has worked to my entire satisfaction, and the property is found.”
“But where is the rightful heir?”
“That is all that remains to be discovered and I have a clue. Please be ready to come to my house when I send you word, as I want you to hear a statement that will no doubt soon be made.”
“Have you heard from the boy Paul?”
“Yes, I have just received a letter containing some very valuable information. He will be here soon; he does not state just when, but I can rely on his judgment, knowing that he will be sure to come at the right time.”
“He must be very shrewd to be able to work out some of the secrets that he has.”
“He has the wisdom of a judge, and as for honesty, I would no sooner doubt him than I would myself. I would trust him with my life.”
While Scott and Mr. Le Moyne are holding an important conversation let us enter for a time the home of old Meg and Crisp. They are seated at their rude table, eating their meal of soup, crackers and brown bread. Old Meg looks still more repulsive than before her sickness. Her face is thin and overspread with a dark, sallow color that is almost frightful in appearance. She looks up at Crisp with a grin of satisfaction. Her gray locks are falling from under her cap and straying in slovenly fashion over her cheeks and forehead.