"Then why were you apprehensive? Why did the image of the safe in which it was guarded haunt you?"
"Because—because I feared what actually did happen. I feared that he had bequeathed my share of his property elsewhere."
"Go on."
"I knew that the destruction of the safe would set me back to my position as heir, would assure me $5,000,000. It could do me no harm. That idea flashed through me as I stood on the landing, with my hand on the knob. And then my own position! I might be accused of setting the fire for that very purpose. This was the thought that led me to flee. I remember looking at my watch, as I said. The 3:29 train would place me in safety almost before the fire was under way."
"And as a matter of fact, you were back in Woodlawn almost before the first stream of water was played upon the burning building?"
"I reached there at 3:45."
"You didn't stop to liberate the dog?"
"No, sir."
"You didn't think it your duty to save property and life by checking the flames or at least giving the alarm?"
"No, sir."