“Possible: and yet I do not believe it,” said Colonel Mapleson thoughtfully. “He was a strange character, as the hiding of these documents proves, and I am convinced there are more concealed somewhere else.”
“I do not see what the man could have been thinking of, if he was in his right mind, to hide his property in such a way, without leaving some clew to it! How could he expect his heir would ever be benefited by his money, when what represented it was concealed in that secret compartment?” said Everet, impatiently.
“That is a question, and the act was only one of the many queer things that made the man what he was,” replied his father.
“What will you do with these papers?” the young man inquired.
“I do not know what to do with them,” returned the colonel, a perplexed frown on his brow.
“Who would inherit the property in case the direct legatee cannot be found?”
“I suppose I am the nearest of kin,” said Colonel Mapleson. “It was so decided when the question as to who should inherit the Hermitage and land belonging to him, came up after his death.”
“Then all this money will be yours also, if neither Annie Dale nor any of her heirs can be found?” said Everet, with suppressed eagerness.
“I suppose it will; but——”
“But what?”