He was the only surviving relative of the Spaniard's dead wife, her older brother, dearly beloved by her, but he who had forced upon her the marriage with his friend, Don Juan. His name was Tomaso Crivelli. He had come from Mexico on a tour through the United States, and had arrived at New Orleans--to die. Yes; the hand of death was upon him! Three days after he expired in the arms of his brother-in-law. Half an hour before he died he became conscious, and implored Don Juan to send for an attorney. It was necessary that he should make a will. The attorney sent for by the Spaniard was no other than Silas Craig. On the reading of the will it was found that Don Tomaso had left his entire fortune to his brother-in-law, Don Juan. But Don Tomaso had not come to the villa alone. He had brought a boy--about eight years of age. He was named Paul. This Paul was a handsome boy. None knew whence he came, or who he was. Camillia was the only one from whom he would take comfort. "My child, come hither," said the Spaniard, one day, addressing Paul. "Tell me your proper name--besides Paul!" "They call me Paul Lisimon." "Lisimon it shall be." "Do you remember your mother?" "She died when I was a baby, and I always lived with my father, Don Tomaso." "Do not fear, my child, your future will be my care," and Paul Lisimon was brought up in the household of the Spaniard, Camillia and Paul taking lessons side by side from Mademoiselle Pauline Corsi. * * * * * Bill Bowen was at the house of Silas Craig precisely at six o'clock. After dinner Silas and the visitor retired to the lawyer's private office. "Now we are alone. Mr. Bowen, what want you?" "A thousand dollars." "I gave you a thousand--" "The day after Leslie's partner, Philip Treverton, died!" "Come, come, Bowen, don't excite yourself," said Silas, "You shall have the money." "Listen to what people say of Mr. Treverton's death; he lost heavily at play; he could not pay up; he was insulted by a stranger, and stabbed in a kind of duel. The murderer's party carrying off the body. A fortnight afterward the body was found in the Mississippi; the face could not be recognized, but from papers found in the pocket, the corpse was known to be that of Treverton--it was therefore buried in the Treverton vault. The police failed to discover the murderer. On Gerald Leslie's return from Europe, he examined the papers of his late partner--which had been sealed up. That for which Leslie looked most anxiously was a certain document, the receipt for one hundred thousand dollars, paid to Mr. Silas Craig, attorney and money lender. He did not find it!" "You shall have the money, William!"