"At the present time, these heirs are preparing a conspiracy, more desperately energetic than any previous effort. It is certainly the interest of the Church to foil this conspiracy at all hazards. And we 'THREE' persons, not directly connected with the corporation, think that we can make it our interest to assist the Church in the final overthrow of the conspirators. To do this effectually, we require the assistance of one of the heirs, who will wind himself into the plans of the conspirators, help the plot to ripen, and help us to _gather it_ when it is ripe." "'One of the heirs?'" muttered Herman. "Ay, one of the heirs,--and he must be a man of sense, shrewdness and undoubted respectability. Now--do you hear me?--you, Herman Barnhurst, are one of the heirs of Anreke Jans Bogardus." There was a pause of profound silence. You might have heard a pin drop, in the deep stillness of that vast edifice. "I am one of the heirs of Anreke Jans," said Herman; "and what then?" The voice of the unknown was deep, distinct and imperative: "You will assist us in foiling these conspirators. You will assist us willingly, faithfully, and without reserve. This is the good counsel which I am deputed to give you." "And if I decline?" said Herman, drawing a long breath. "You will not decline when you remember the event of the night of the tenth of November, 1842." Dermoyne felt the hand which he clasped tremble in his grasp. "Ah!" and Herman drew another long breath. "As the Third of the Three, I beg your opinion of my good counsel," said the unknown. "I accept," said Herman, in a husky voice. "But we must have some pledge for your fidelity--" "Have you not pledge enough," said Herman, bitterly, "if you know the events of that night--" "True; but we require some other little pledge in the way of collateral--as the money lenders say"--said the unknown, who had designated himself as "THE THIRD _of the Three_." "In the event of a certain contingency--a very improbable contingency,--you will inherit one seventh of the Van Huyden estate--" Herman gave a start;--he moved forward suddenly, but was drawn back against the pillar by the strong grip of Dermoyne: "The Van Huyden estate!" he ejaculated in a tone of utter astonishment. "I said the Van Huyden estate," continued the Third of the Three,--"and that should satisfy you that I know all about it. In witness of your good faith, you will to-morrow make over to us, by our own proper names, and over your own proper signature, all your right, title and interest in the Van Huyden estate. The final settlement, you know, takes place the day after to-morrow. In case you act faithfully to us, we will restore you your right on the day when, by your assistance, we have foiled the heirs of Anreke Jans. The good counsel which I have for you is this:--accept this proposition at once, if you know what is good for your health, your reputation, your liberty."