The Dugdale Millions — page 256: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

246 THE DUGDALE MILLIONS. it. It stood upon the table with the others. The next morning I was the first to enter the room after the alarm was given that the house had been entered, and, seeing the box, disposed of it before any of the others could see it. But in such a manner that I can- not get it for you.’’ ‘‘But Mason knew that Mrs. Jenkins had left it with you,’’ rejoined Bob. ‘‘That is true,’’ replied Mrs. Stanton, ‘‘but it was purely by accident. When Mrs. Jenkins left the box with me she forgot to leave the key. Returning to New York, and discovering that she still had it, she inclosed the key in a letter to Mr. Mason, which in- formed him that she had left the box with me. I was therefore forced to admit that such was the case, but all rest under the belief that at the time the two boxes were taken the Jenkins box was also carried off. You are quite as secure from anything occurring to:interfere with your matters as coming from that box, as if it were already in your hands. Mr. Stanton says that the contents might go to the proof of your claim, but I know better. I amcertain Mr. Stanton’s desire for that box is to destroy proof against himself.’’ At this moment a long low whistle sounded not far from the door. Upon hearing it Bob started and said hastily: ‘‘Can I rely upon your assurance that that box will not go into the hands of anybody?’’ ‘You can be. sure that it will not go into the hands of anyone who can harm or interfere with you,” replied Mrs. Stanton. ‘‘T presume,’’ said Bob, ‘‘that I must rest content | with this, I cannot remain longer without being dis- covered. That whistle was a signal for me to depart. I shall rely upon your promise.’’ With this he walked out of the door opposite to that by which he had entered, descended to the lawn, and striding rapidly across it disappeared in the shrubbery ComicboOoks.€© 3}