"What better proof do you want than the New York Herald?"
"The account in the Herald may contain errors."
"Perhaps you think the boy could swim to shore a few hundred miles," suggested John Fox with sarcasm.
"No, I don't think that likely."
"Then what possible chance had he to escape?"
"He might have been rescued by a passing vessel."
"Look here, Mr. Howard," said Fox indignantly, "you don't mean what you say. You evidently mean to keep that money from the lawful claimants. I am not much surprised. I expected it. But I can tell you here and now that John Fox isn't a man to be cheated and imposed upon. I mean to have my rights."
"Are you aware, Mr. Fox, that your language is offensive and insulting?"
"I don't care. I came here for justice. That money ought not to be in your hands, who are no kith nor kin to Harry Vane. It ought to go to me, and I mean to sue you for it."
"Mr. Fox, I propose to obey the law, but it appears to me that you are taking it for granted that Harry Vane is dead without sufficient proof."