“There’s no mistake,” Max cut in sharply. “It’s clear enough that I am the heir too. By the way, didn’t the old man have a valuable collection of ivories?”
Caleb stiffened visibly. “Ivories?” he asked blankly.
“Sure, some pieces he collected years ago on his tours. Read about it in the paper.”
“Oh, so you read about it?” Caleb echoed significantly.
“Uncle Jacob told me about the collection too. He always intended me to have it.”
“Then you should know where to find it,” Caleb retorted bluntly. “I’m sure I don’t.”
With that he turned and walked to the door. There he paused to fling over his shoulder:
“I wash my hands of the whole matter. You folks will have to fight it out among you.”
Mrs. Leeds had managed to hold her tongue very well, but the moment that the door closed behind Caleb, she began an angry attack upon Rosanna and the newcomer, accusing both of being impostors. Unwilling to listen to such an unreasonable tirade, Penny and Rosanna fled out of doors.
“Such a mad house!” Penny exclaimed, taking a deep breath. “I have to keep pinching myself to believe it’s real!”