“So Mr. Barnard will inherit the one hundred thousand dollars?”
The Admiral paused. “Not without a legal fight. Get rid of Marjorie, Duncan, before the scandal is aired.”
“You mean you are going to charge Miss Langdon with the theft of the codicil?”
“I do. She thwarted my wife in her last conscious act, and by God, she shall pay for it!”
Duncan rose to his feet. “Kindly notify me, Admiral, of whatever steps you propose taking,” he said, accompanying the older man to the entrance of the club-house.
“Certainly, Duncan, certainly.” The Admiral walked to the curb with him. “I realize you will want to know in time to prevent your family from becoming involved in the scandal.”
“You mistake my meaning, sir; I desire to know what legal steps you contemplate taking, because I propose to defend Miss Langdon in the courts. Good evening,” and lifting his hat, Duncan turned on his heel.
How far he walked or where he walked he could never afterwards tell, but he finally became conscious that the park policeman in Lafayette Square was regarding him with open suspicion.
“Where am I?” he asked, turning in bewilderment to the stalwart guardian of the peace.
“Sure, I don’t wonder ye ask; ye’ve chased yourself around Jackson’s statue until ye’ve given me the blind staggers. What ails ye, sir?”