d. "I knew it was
going to happen that I would be charged with all sorts of crimes and
misdemeanors if there should be any hooks on which to hang them. Because
a man locks his door is it proof that he knows a robber is on the way?
Human foresight and the experience of men move prudent persons to a
reasonable precaution in the conduct of affairs."

"And what is it," said my father, "that moves them to an excessive
caution?"

The hunchback snapped his fingers with an exasperated gesture. "I will
not be annoyed by your big, dominating manner!" he cried.

My father was not concerned by this defiance. "Dillworth," he said, "you
sent this child out to seek her father. Well, she took the right road to
find him."

The hunchback stepped back quickly, his face changed. He sat down in
his chair and looked up at my father. There was here suddenly uncovered
something that he had not looked for. And he talked to gain time.

"I have cast up the accounts in proper form," he said while he studied
my father, his hand moving the figured sheets. "They are correct and
settled before two commissioners in chancery. Taking out my commission
as guardian, the amounts allowed me for the maintenance and education of
the ward, and no dollar of this personal estate remains."

His long, thin hand with the nimble fingers turned the sheets over on
the table as though to conclude that phase of the affair.

"The real property," he continued, "will return nothing; the purchase
money was applied on Maxwell's debts and cannot be followed. This new
claimant, Henderson, who has bought up the outstanding title, will take
the land."

"For some trifling sum," said my father.

The hunchback nodded slowly, his eyes in a study of my father's face.

"Doubtless," he said, "it was not known that Maxwell had only a life
estate in the lands, and the remainder to the heirs was likely purchased
for some slight amount. The language of the deeds that Henderson
exhibits in his suit shows a transfer of all claim or title, as though
he bought a thing which the grantees thought lay with the uncertainties
of a decree in chancery."

"I have seen the deeds," said my father.

"Then," said the hunchback, "you know they are valid, and transfer the
title." He paused. "I have no doubt that Mr. Henderson assembled these
outstanding interests at no great cost, but his conveyances are in form
and legal."

"Everything connected with this affair," said my father, "is strange