"If this is so, he ought to be exposed. To whom would the boy's fortune go, if it were known that he was dead?" "To three cousins, who, I understand, are living in poverty in New York. There are two young girls and a brother, named Beaufort. They were cut off by the grandfather, from whom the fortune was inherited. For what reason I am not aware. However, the will stipulated that if the boy should die, the fortune should go to these children." "Then they ought to be enjoying it now?" "Exactly. If all is true that I suspect, they are being kept out of it by a conspiracy." "Who is the boy that Major Grafton has with him now?" "I don't know. Possibly it is a relative of his own. He calls him Philip to deceive the public, if all is as I suspect." "Don't you think we ought to do something in the matter, Clara?" "I never meddle with matters that don't concern me." "Not even to right such a wrong as this?" "No; I suppose matters will come right after awhile. The deception will be discovered, you may depend upon it." "If I knew the boy I would speak to him about it." "You would have your labor for your pains. The boy is probably in the conspiracy. I think he is a nephew of Major Grafton. If anything were said to him, he would no doubt put the major on his guard, and that would be the end of it. My dear, we shall do much better not to interfere in the matter at all." The younger lady looked dissatisfied, but did not reply. The feelings with which Ben heard this revelation may be imagined. He never for a moment doubted the truth of the story. It made clear to him what had seemed singular hitherto. He had never been able to understand why Major Grafton should pick him up, and without any inquiry into his capacity offer him an engagement as private secretary. He had found that the office was merely nominal, and that there were no duties to speak of connected with it. Major Grafton had shown no particular interest in him, and evidently cared nothing for him, save as he served his purpose. But if his presence enabled Grafton to remain in possession of a large income, there was no need to inquire further. Ben saw that he was made an important agent in a wicked conspiracy to divert a large fortune from its lawful owners. What ought he to do? CHAPTER XXIV. THE MAISON DE FOUS. This question of what he ought to do disturbed Ben not a little. As an honorable boy he did not wish to benefit any longer than was absolutely necessary by a deception which involved injustice and fraud. He was living very comfortably, it is true, and his allowance was a handsome one. He sent half of it to his mother, and this was sufficient to provide all that was needed for her and his sister's comfort. He had done this innocently, hitherto, but now that his eyes were opened, his knowledge would make him an accomplice in the conspiracy.