"I did, Sir."
"The fastening of the box was not an ordinary lock, I believe. It was what is called a letter padlock?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Did you ever open it?"
"No, Sir."
A great bell seemed to be suddenly set tolling in Richard's brain—it was the knell of all his hopes.
"You had never opened it at that time, eh?" continued Mr. Balais, cheerfully. "But you learned the secret afterward?"
"I—yes—I did."
"Do you remember the letters that did open it?"
"Yes, Sir."