"
"This would have made fine plunder for the thieving fellows who had
taken possession of the place if fate, in the hands of your younger
brother, had not turned up to put you in command."
"What else do you find?"
"Here is a package addressed 'To be sent to The Towers, Huntingdon,
England, to Robert Caruthers, Esquire, or Major John Stairs Caruthers,
upon my death, unopened.'"
"Give it to me," said the major huskily, thrusting the package into his
pocket.
"And here's a bank book," said Ted. "It bears the name of the Bank of
London."
He handed it to the major, who put it also into his pocket.
"Anything else?" he asked.
"That is all."
"Then take this bunch of keys and examine the contents of the drawers."
The first drawer of the console which Ted unlocked and opened was full
of jewels, rich and beautiful, a fortune in themselves.
"Poor girl," said the major, in a low voice. "Why did she risk murder by
keeping such a fortune about her?"
"Probably she didn't want some particular person to know that she was so
rich," suggested Ted.
Drawer after drawer revealed other valuables, such as priceless laces
and articles of gold and silver.
"We must get all this away as soon as possible, and guard it carefully,"
said the major.
"Yes, it is a great temptation, I sup----"
As Ted was speaking he chanced to look up.
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