“You’ve—you’ve found it—eh?” gasped the old fellow, pale as death.
“Yes; and, furthermore, we know how Maud Petrovitch had cast your money at your feet, and defied you.”
“I—I must explain,” he cried, as in frantic eagerness he put on his clothes. “Don’t leave me. Come below, and—and’ll tell you.”
The pair remained in the wretchedly uncomfortable room, while the old man finished dressing. Then all three descended, the millionaire walking first. They passed the door of the room where stood the coffin, and by touching a spring the iron door opened, and they descended to the library.
The noise wakened old Levi, who appeared at the head of the back stairs, full of surprise.
A reassuring word from his master, however, caused him to at once retire again.
Within the library old Sam switched on the light, and invited both his unwelcome visitors to be seated. Then, standing before them, he said:
“I presume, gentlemen, that your curiosity led you to break into my house?”
Max Barclay nodded.
“I can understand you acting thus, sir; but I cannot understand Rolfe, who knows me so well and who has served me so faithfully.”