"And I must have my money," put in Dr. Rushwood. "I am running a risk, too."
"What risk will you run if you have your certificate?" questioned Frederic Vernon. "You can fall back on that in case of trouble."
"Mrs. Vernon's friends may have us all arrested for conspiracy. It's a big risk."
"Well, every man of you shall be paid," said Frederic Vernon. "As soon as the excitement of the affair blows over, I'll take charge of all my aunt's property and then I'll have money to burn, and lots of it. Why, she's worth half a million."
So the talk ran on, until Dr. Remington and Dr. Carraway agreed to sign the certificate, and did so. This paper was then turned over to Dr. Rushwood, who placed it on file in his safe. Following this the keeper of the asylum brought out some wine and cigars, and half an hour was spent in general conversation.
Then Frederic Vernon said he would like to talk to his aunt for awhile.
Dr. Rushwood led the way to an apartment on the third floor. The room had once been well furnished, but the furnishings were now dilapidated, the carpet being worn threadbare and the furniture being scratched and broken. One small window lit up the apartment, and this was closely barred.
Frederic Vernon knocked on the door, but received no answer.
"Can I come in, aunt?" asked the young spendthrift.
At once there was a rustle in the room.