as so surprised in my life as when I saw Mowbray in the bushes
out there just in the act of murdering you," said the major after
supper, as he sat on the sofa beside Ted.

"It was a surprising meeting," said Ted. "I had no idea he was in this
part of the country. His was the face I saw at the window when we had
all that money and gold and jewels out."

"Then he knows we have found it?"

"Sure. He knows we have it, and if he is the chap I think he is, he'll
not rest until he gets it, or--something else."

"Meaning?"

"Death or imprisonment."

"He richly deserves either, or both. He made the life of my sister most
unpleasant."

"By the way, major, what do you know about him? It might be handy to
know something in the future if he tries to make trouble."

"Precious little."

"Oh, by the way, have you looked into that packet I took from the safe
and handed you? The one addressed to your father, I take it, or to
yourself."

"Haven't thought of it until now. Must take a look at it, by Jove. It
may tell us a lot we want to know."

The major pulled the envelope from his pocket, and after examining the
writing on it closely for a moment tore off the end of it and drew out
several business-like documents.

"You'll excuse me, Strong, while I look these over, won't you?" he said.

"Certainly. Don't mind me," replied Ted, sinking back comfortably among
the cushions.

As the major's eyes traveled over the documents they began to light up
with a new intelligence. Then a look of pain followed, and the tears ran
slowly down his cheeks.

Finally he turned to Ted:

"It is her will, and some history of her adventures in this country
since she left home, and an account of the abuse and indignities heaped
upon her by her husband, Mowbray, from whom she was divorced some months
ago."

"Then Mowbray has no right to her property?"

"Not a penny's worth. I shall not bore you by reading all she says on
the subject. She tells how he beat her after stealing from her all he
could. Then she goes on to tell of his crimes."

"He is a bad egg, then," said Ted, as the major paused.

"You would scarcely believe how bad he was if I were to read the story
of his career."

"I suppose he had been bothering her since in order to get more money
from her."

"Yes, she says that he made her life miserable, and that he often
threatened to kill her if she didn't give him all she had."

"Hearing of her death, he came here to steal ever