cried, "Number 409!"

Yes, there it was--the fateful characters staring us in the face from
the end of a small black trunk, next but one to the top of the heap, I
felt a pang of disappointment, I had half-hoped that this mysterious
Osmund Maiden had returned to claim his property, and that by an
oversight the black line had not been drawn through his name. But here
was evidence that strongly suggested his death in the wilderness.

"Get it down," Christopher Burley said hoarsely. "Let me see it!"

Macdonald assented half-reluctantly. I helped him to drag the trunk from
the one resting on top of it, and we placed it on the floor. It was a
small affair and it seemed very light. It was low and narrow,
brass-bound, and covered with decaying leather. In addition to being
locked it was wrapped about with rope.

"Nothing in it but spare clothing, I should say," remarked the factor.
"It's a common enough type and was made and sold in Quebec. I know the
brand."

"You are right, sir; the trunk did not come from England," said the law
clerk.

"But you will surely open it, so that all doubt may be set at rest."

"I shall do nothing of the sort," Macdonald answered curtly. "Your
request is impossible. I have no right to touch the trunk. How do I know
that Osmund Maiden is not alive--that he will not turn up with the
receipt some day?"

"I admit the possibility of that," said Christopher Burley. "Indeed, I
prefer to take that view of the matter myself. But consider my
perplexing situation, sir. I have reason to think that the trunk
contains papers--not only documents to prove Osmund Maiden's identity,
but a statement of what his future plans were when he left Fort Garry.
And by that means I will learn where to search for him--how to trace his
afterlife. I can't return to England until I have either proved him dead
or found him alive."

Macdonald shook his head.

"I must be true to my trust," he replied. "Only legal measures can
empower me to open this trunk, and you can take steps to that effect if
you please. You know better than I if such a remedy is within your
reach. In the eyes of the law I admit Osmund Maiden would probably be
accounted dead."

"But my dear sir, the plan you suggest would involve a journey to
England and back, not to mention the delay in the Quebec courts."

"It is the only course, Mr. Burley. And you must remember, for my side
of the case, that you have not let me into your confidence. Why are y