Craythorne smiled and opened the little window. “Ask Mr. Gordon, the notary, to come here at once,” he said. “May we ask your partner’s name?” said Earle. “Cyrus P. Harding, New York,” said Appleby. Earle appeared astonished, and almost disconcerted. “I think that fact is sufficiently convincing,” he said. “I am sure you will understand that it was necessary for us to proceed circumspectly, Mr. Appleby.” Again Craythorne smiled curiously. “I think Mr. Appleby understands the obligation placed on a trustee. In that respect alone our attitude was necessary.” Appleby flushed a trifle. “Still,” he said, “I am glad you sent for a notary.” “Well,” said Craythorne. “Dane Cop was not bequeathed to you in the event of his death by Anthony Palliser, but made over to you before he left for Cuba. It is yours absolutely, but in regard to the legacy it will be necessary to prove the will, and Esmond Palliser requested me to inform you that he purposed to contest your claim. I should suggest that you instruct a lawyer to confer with me.” “It will not be necessary, since I waive any right I may have. I do not intend to live in England, but to go back to New York almost immediately.” There was a murmur of astonishment, and Melton said, “I think that is unreasonably generous.” “No,” said Appleby. “I scarcely fancy it is. Dane Cop is mine, and I shall hold on to it, but it would be difficult to get anything worth while out of the other property, which is after all of no great value, without personal supervision, and you may remember that there is still a warrant out for my apprehension.” Melton looked at his companions, and it was evident that they concurred with Craythorne when he said, “In the event of a trial you could clear yourself.” “Yes,” said Appleby quietly, “I believe I could, but I have reasons for deciding not to run any risk of being compelled to do so. My partner, who is acquainted with them, does not consider it necessary, and it is more than probable that the police have no longer any expectations of tracing me.” “You understand what you are purposing to do?” said Craythorne. “It is, of course, quite clear to me. Still, I intend to remain in America.” There was a curious silence, and then Melton, moving forward, shook hands with Appleby. “I have seldom heard of a finer thing than your decision, though after what I had seen of your father’s life I should have expected it from you,” he said. “With all respect to the Pallisers, none of them ever made so good a match as the one who married the ranker. While you remain at Northrop you will stay with me.” Earle smiled a little. “I must tell you, Mr. Appleby, that we understand your reasons—and appreciate them. Colonel Melton has, however, anticipated my intentions of offering you hospitality.” “You have evidently heard more than I hoped you would have done,” said Appleby quietly.