"He left a wife and child, did he not?"
"He left a wife and two children."
"And they live?"
"Yes."
"I wish I could see them."
Nicholas Walton was perplexed and alarmed. If the stranger should see Mrs. Baker, his elaborate scheme would fall to the ground and he would be called upon for an explanation.
"Do you remain long in the city?" he asked.
"I go to Havana in three days. Business of importance, not to mention the sickness of my brother, calls me there."
"Ah!" said the merchant, relieved. "You will have to defer seeing Mrs. Baker, then."