"It is my belief that somehow Whittaker had them, after all! _I_ should have committed him for trial. Alwyn took his part, violently swore I insulted him by having such an idea in connection with his companion. He chose to misinterpret what I said, and swore he would never come home till the jewels were found or I had begged his pardon. He behaved as if I had accused him of the theft himself." "Father," said Edgar, "you have at least allowed other people to imagine that you thought so." "No, Alwyn left his home. I did not cast him off, nor cut him off with a shilling. I told him that I could not allow him to associate with you--he said he wished to emigrate. I lodged a sum of money for him in a New York bank, and told him he could communicate with me through the bankers. He never did communicate with me; but he drew the money." "And you don't know where he is now?" "No. I never saw him after that night--Beresford did the business with him in London. Whittaker went away with him. Now for what I suppose you really want to know. You are my heir, and have been so, ever since that occurrence." "Father," said Edgar again, "you must know that I am very unlikely to outlive you." "In that ease the estates will pass to your cousin James. I object to the idea of marrying Geraldine for the sake of a master for Ashcroft, and she is amply provided for." "Father," said Edgar, "I don't see that Alwyn has done anything to forfeit his heirship. As for his dissipations--I was quite ready to follow his example had I had the chance. A practical joke, however improper, is not cause sufficient. Will you take no steps to find him?" "No," said Mr Cunningham, "it is in his power to find me if he chooses." "It is right to tell you that, should I ever have the power, I should try to find him." "That would be as you please," said Mr Cunningham, "but the estate is secured to your cousin. He doesn't know it, though, and I don't wish him to find it out." It was an odd, hard scene. Edgar's manner was rather polite than respectful; his father showed no feeling whatever. "I think," said Edgar with one last effort, "that the matter has been made to appear more disgraceful than it is." "I never thought much of appearances," said Mr Cunningham. "But there is no more I can tell you. If there is anything that you wish for yourself, you have only to name it. That night's business cost you much as well as myself." "Nothing but the fall kept me out of the scrape myself," said Edgar, "and Alwyn never knew that he startled me." "I never understood your share in the matter," said Mr Cunningham.