“I thought that perhaps——”
Jack hesitated.
“Go on, my lad. I can see there is something on your mind. What is it?”
“Just this, doctor. Old Jupe, our colored man, told me that the door of the library safe, in which some valuable papers were deposited, was open when my father was found.”
The doctor’s face grew serious.
“I knew nothing of this,” he said. “Were there any signs that a violent entry had been effected?”
“That I don’t know, doctor. Naturally I came here first to find out my father’s condition.”
“It need give you no worry, my boy. I can assure you of that. Let us go to the library at once. What you have just told me may place a very different light on the matter.” And the doctor’s face grew serious.
“How is your father, Jack?”
Jack turned, and saw Ned Nevins, who was, by this time, one of the household, at his elbow. The boy’s face was troubled, for he had a genuine affection and regard for the good Professor.