"What motive could he have had, sir?"
"I will keep that to myself at present. I have my suspicions, but they may be groundless."
In fact Major Woodley suspected that Cromwell was acting under instructions from Paul Morton, of whom he had a bad opinion, and he determined to satisfy himself on this point when they reached New York. But he felt that it would not be of any service to impart this to Robert until he should have ascertained definitely.
CHAPTER XXII. THE GHOST IN NO. 41.
After waiting two days, during which no tidings were received of Robert, James Cromwell determined to go to New York. He had hoped that the body might be found in order that he might carry with him the proof that would entitle him to the reward of ten thousand dollars. But he did not venture to suggest that the pond should be dragged, lest it might appear that he was too well informed about the matter.
He announced his determination to Mr. Manton and Clara the evening previous. He thought it politic to assign a double motive for his departure.
"You may remember," he said, "that I referred to a relative in delicate health from whom I expected a legacy."
"Yes," said Mr. Manton.