CHAPTER XLIII.
A DRAMATIC INTERRUPTION.
It need not be said that Christopher Burley and myself accepted the factor’s invitation with alacrity, though, indeed, the mere sight of the missing man’s trunk promised to be but poor game. On the contrary, should the trunk not be found, it would amount to a certainty that Osmund Maiden had returned to claim his property, but I did not look for this contingency, which would throw the law clerk off the trail once more.
On the way from the office we had occasion to cross the house, and in the lower hall we came upon Flora, attired in her outdoor costume of furs. She looked at us with some surprise, standing so that we could not pass her.
“I am going for a short walk, Denzil,” she said, “and I hoped you would accompany me.”
“Yes, if you will wait just few moments,” I replied. “We are on our way to the room where the unclaimed trunks are stored. It is a matter of some importance to Mr. Burley and I wish to see the end of it myself.”
“Oh, has Mr. Burley’s search been successful at last?” Flora exclaimed eagerly. “He was telling me of his fresh hopes this morning, and I was deeply interested.”
“Yes, Miss Hatherton, it seems that I was on the right track,” the law clerk replied. “Osmund Maiden passed through Fort Garry nearly twenty-eight years ago. He left a trunk here—”
“And you are going to look for it?” Flora interrupted. “How curious! Please take me with you, Denzil, if Mr. Macdonald does not object.”