“I can hardly believe this,” he said. “Do you think the professor knew what he was talking about?”
“Yes, sir, I fully believe it.”
“What excuse did he make?”
“He said that he was walking in his sleep.”
“But what motive could he possibly have? It looks unaccountable.”
“I can’t understand it myself, but I think he was acting under instructions from my guardian.”
“What reason have you for thinking so?”
In reply Bernard produced the fragment of a letter which he had picked up in the stateroom.
“This certainly does look suspicious. Have you any idea why it is that your guardian wishes to get rid of you?”
“Yes, sir. I met a gentleman before I left New York who knew my father. He tells me that he is certain that my father left property, and he thinks that Mr. McCracken has it in his possession, and is resolved to keep it.”