My twenty-first birthday came at last, and at ten in the morning we all assembled in our largest room, where, after I had received the congratulations of my friends, the long-expected legal formality began.
I sat at the head of the long oak table, with Lawyer Whitehead on my right and Sir George on my left, the others being seated at the sides. Before the lawyer was placed a heavy brass-bound box, which, besides being locked, was fastened with a formidable-looking red seal.
With a solemn bow Master Whitehead stood up, and, clearing his throat with a professional cough, began in a dry, legal manner:
"In accordance with the instruction laid down by my late client, Master Owen Wentworth, I have to make the announcement that his son, who this day attains his majority, can now take upon himself his rightful title, Sir Aubrey Wentworth of Holwick, in the county of Yorks."
At this astounding information my senses became numb, and I could but dimly see the faces of my friends and hear the indistinct murmur of astonishment and congratulation from those of my guests who up to the present were not in the secret.
"The late Owen Wentworth, by reason of his excessive loyalty to His Majesty the King, and of his careful thought for the proper upbringing of his son during the past troublous times, did part with a portion of his family estates and personal property in order to furnish His Majesty with such aid as all loyal cavaliers were bound by their duty to give. The residue, which is no inconsiderable amount, he hid in a secure place, taking good care that it should come to his son on his attaining the age of twenty-one, provided that he showed great promise of filling his position in a right and proper manner. The recovery of the hidden treasure will depend on certain conditions imposed by Sir Owen (to give him his rightful title), and these conditions were written and entrusted to my keeping." Here the lawyer tapped the box with his finger and proceeded to break the seal. This done, he produced a small key and unlocked the box. The hinges creaked as he threw back the lid and disclosed a number of parchments all neatly tied with faded ribbon.
Placing the documents on the table, the lawyer continued. "I have here," he said, "a third part of a sheet of writing, which, when united to its fellows, will disclose the exact position of the hidden riches of Holwick. Another portion worthy Sir George hath, while you, Sir Aubrey, must in truth produce the third part."
At this the knight laid down a paper which I recognized as the one that had been read by him under such strange circumstances at Rake, some eight years before, and the light flashed across me--the senseless jargon that he had read was part of a secret code whereby I should inherit my fortune.
"Now, Sir Aubrey, where is your share of the document?"
I stammered that I had not such a paper.