Though Waldo and his companion spoke in low tones, neither was apprehensive of being heard, as it was hardly to be presumed that any one within hearing distance would feel an interest in what they had to say. “As I was saying”--this was the first sentence which Robert heard from Mr. Waldo--“it is entirely uncertain when I shall derive any advantage from my cousin’s estate. During his life he holds it.” “How is his health?” “I suppose he is well. In fact, I don’t know but he is likely to live as long as I do. There can’t be more than five years’ difference in our ages.” “That is a discouraging outlook.” “I should say so! But there is one chance for me during his life.” “What is that?” “He may be declared insane. In that case the management of the estate would naturally be transferred to me as the direct heir.” “But is there any ground for assumption that he is insane?” “Yes. Ever since his son’s death he has acted in an eccentric way--made a hermit of himself and withdrawn from society. You know grief brooded over often terminates in insanity. Then there was his wife’s terrible death, which had a strange effect upon him. “I did not understand that the boy died.” “Well, he disappeared. He is undoubtedly dead.” “It is his being out of the way that makes you the heir, is it not?” “Of course,” answered Waldo. “Then all I can say is that it was mighty fortunate for you,” said his companion dryly. “It hasn’t done me any good yet and may not. These hermits are likely to live long. Their habits are regular and they are not tempted to violate the laws of health. I tell you, Mr. Thompson, it’s a tantalizing thing to be so near a large fortune and yet kept out of it.” “I suppose you pray for your cousin’s death, then?” “Not so bad as that, but, as he don’t enjoy the property, it is a pity I can’t.” “How much does the estate amount to probably?” asked the other with interest. “Well, it can’t be less than two hundred thousand dollars.” “Whew! That’s a great fortune!” “So it is. If I get it, or when I get it, I won’t mind doing as you ask me, and setting you up in a snug business.” “You could do it now, Mr. Waldo. You are a rich man,” said Thompson. “You are mistaken. I may have a competence, but nothing more.” “You’ve got a fine farm.” “That don’t support me. Farming doesn’t pay.” “And money in stock and bonds.” “Enough to make up the deficiency in my income. I assure you I don’t lay up a cent. I can’t do it.” “May I ask what is your errand in New York?” “I want to speak to you about that. I want to find my cousin.” “Don’t his bankers know where he is?” “If they do, they won’t tell. I suppose they are acting under orders from him?” “Suppose you find him?” “Then,” said Charles Waldo significantly, “I shall raise the question of his sanity. It won’t be a difficult matter to prove him insane. It only needs a certificate from a couple of doctors. I think I can find two parties who will oblige me.”