“Has he treated you badly?” asked Bernard.
“Has he not? I was his confidential agent. He selected me to do his dirty work. He placed you under my care, having certain interests of his own to serve.”
“I have always wondered what his object could have been?”
As Bernard spoke he fixed his eyes eagerly upon the face of his old companion. He felt persuaded that Professor Puffer could tell him what he was very anxious to know. He meant before the interview was over to obtain from him light as to his relations with Mr. McCracken.
“Have you see him lately? Won’t he do anything for you?” he continued.
“Listen! When I returned from Europe, two months since, I called upon him. I had previously communicated with him by letter. He asked after you. I told him that you were dead.”
“Why did you tell him that?”
“Because it was what he wished to know.”
“Did he wish me to die?” asked Bernard, startled, but not wholly surprised.
“He did. In sending you to Europe with me, he wished to get rid of you, and I had instructions to that effect.”