st place, you are aware that I
claim Jack as my son."

"I know that."

"I am very anxious to establish my claim to the boy."

"I don't see how I can help you, Dr. Mackey, although I am glad enough
to have you claim Jack."

"You ought to help me, for it will be helping yourself as well. Your
aunt thinks a great deal of Jack. If he is allowed to remain at the
plantation she may take it into her head to leave him half of her
property."

"I know that, too."

"The property ought to go to that girl and to you. With Jack out of the
way you will be pretty certain of your share."

"But I don't understand your game, Dr. Mackey. Why do you want Jack, if
he doesn't care for you?"

"I love the boy, in spite of his actions. Besides, he must come with me
in order that I may establish our joint right to a fortune which awaits
us."

"Well, what do you want me to do?" questioned St. John, after a pause,
during which Jack waited with bated breath for what might follow.

"Jack was picked up from a shipwreck nearly eleven years ago. He and his
mother were taken to your aunt's home, and it was from this home that
Jack's mother, my wife, was buried."

"Well?"

"I am quite certain that your aunt is keeping all of the things which
were taken from my wife's person at the time of her death, and also the
clothing Jack wore when he was rescued. I wish to obtain possession of
those things, or, failing that, I want to get a minute description of
them."

"Do you want me to get the things for you?"

"If you can."

"But my aunt may object to giving them up."

At this the face of Dr. Mackey fell.

"I'm afraid you don't quite understand me, Mr. Ruthven. I don't want
your aunt to know anything about it."

"Oh!" St. John's face became a study. "You--er--you wish me to get the
things on the sly?"

"Yes. You must remember they belong to me. But if you tell Mrs. Ruthven
she will be sure to raise a big fuss, and that is what I wish to avoid."

"I don't see how I can get the things?"

"Can't you get your aunt or your cousin to show them to you? Then you
can watch where they are put, and the rest ought to be easy."

"I'm afraid my aunt is very careful of the things. I have heard her say
as much, to my cousin Marion."

"Well, you ought to take a little risk. Remember, it is to your interest
to help me in establishing my claim to Jack."

"I'll do what I can," replied St. John, after a moment's consideration.

"I would like to get