“There was no harm in this, Dick.” “There was not then.” “Nor is there now.” “Let us see. I told Dr. Bilks what I should propose to you in regard to Mary, and remarked that you would give her ten, twenty, fifty thousand dollars, if it would make her happy and contented.” “That was true, Dick; and if you had said a hundred thousand, it would have been just as true,” added Eugene. “If she could not be my wife, I would not weigh money against her happiness as the wife of somebody else, for I still believe that I am the author of her misfortunes.” “I told him so.” “What did he say?” “He added that you were a remarkable man. He was sure that Buckstone would marry her, for the money, if for nothing else. If the twenty thousand dollars which I named were in Mary’s hands, he could still have the benefit of it.” “But you don’t show any motive, on the part of the doctor, for meeting Buckstone.” “It is a mere surmise; but, as I view it now, Dr. Bilks sent for Buckstone himself.” “Why should he do so, if he did?” “I may as well out with it first as last. I think he and Buckstone together intended to pluck you,” replied Dick, desperately. “But the money for Mary’s benefit was to be placed in the hands of Ross, as trustee.” “I did not tell the doctor of that. It was an afterthought of mine.” “It may possibly be,” said Eugene, musing. “Let us look at it. Bilks writes to Buckstone, who comes to Poppleton privately, as he is directed to do. Bilks says, ‘If you marry Mary, you shall have twenty thousand dollars, but half of it shall be mine.’ Bilks makes it appear that it is through his agency that the money is to be obtained, and that without him it cannot be obtained. I don’t mean to say I am satisfied with this theory, Hungerford; but it is the only explanation of his conduct I can offer.” “I think we must search farther for a solution.” “It is evident the doctor intends to prove that I was the stranger on the island. I know I was not the person. Who put my handkerchief and my cigar into the boat on the Point?” demanded Dick. “There is no evidence that it was Dr. Bilks.” “He is the only man who knows anything about my cigars. Any one else would have used a common cigar. I tell you he was the man, whether we can prove it or not.” “I am willing to believe it myself; but I think we had better not say much about it.” “Not a word shall be said till the proof comes. In the mean time, we will treat him as usual, and watch him closely. He is a man of tricks and subterfuges.” “You have already declared war against him.” “He will not so regard it. He hasn’t soul enough to be indignant, and he will be your best friend, you may depend.” “I cannot treat such a man as a friend.” “You need only tolerate him. If you or any of the family are sick, send for him. I think he is a good doctor.” “I will be as tolerant as possible; but, after all, it may turn out that he is an honest and true man.”