Prince," said Carroll, quietly. "I am
willing to admit that you have managed this thing better than I
could, and, if I join you in an act to suppress these revelations,
I have no right to judge of your intentions. What do you propose
to have me do?"
"To state the whole case to Mrs. Saltonstall, and to ask her to
acknowledge the young man's legal claim without litigation."
"But how do you know that she would not do this without--excuse me--
without intimidation?"
"I only reckon that a woman clever enough to get hold of a million,
would be clever enough to keep it--against others."
"I hope to show you are mistaken. But where is this heir?"
"Here."
"Here?"
"Yes. For the last six months he has been my private secretary. I
know what you are thinking of, Captain Carroll. You would consider
it indelicate--eh? Well, that's just where we differ. By this
means I have kept everything in my own hands--prevented him from
getting into the hands of outsiders--and I intend to dispose of
just as much of the facts to him as may be necessary for him to
prove his title. What bargain I make with HIM--is my affair."
"Does he suspect the murder?"
"No. I did not think it necessary for his good or mine. He can be
an ugly devil if he likes, and although there wasn't much love lost
between him and the old man, it wouldn't pay to have any revenge
mixed up with business. He knows nothing of it. It was only by
accident that, looking after his movements while he was here, I ran
across the tracks of the murderer.
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