"Can you tell me what became of the boy whose name you assumed?" asked Mr. Codicil, eagerly.
"Yes, sir; he is dead."
"Poor fellow! Where did he die?"
"In Italy, last year."
"And his rascally guardian, concealing this from me, has drawn the income of his property regularly for his own use. Now tell me how you came to learn all this."
Ben gave the explanation clearly, and recited the steps taken by Major Grafton to keep him from divulging the secret.
"It was a bold game," said the lawyer; "but, thanks to your information, it has failed. I shall at once telegraph to Major Grafton that his guardianship has ceased, and I will send over an agent to obtain the necessary proof of the boy's death."
At this moment a clerk entered.
"There is a young lady who desires to see you, Mr. Codicil."
"Did she give her name?"