Mr. Robinson shook his head, evidently unconvinced.  The temptation was great to strengthen my side of the argument by a revelation of their real motive.  Once acquainted with the story of the missing bonds he could not fail to see the extreme probability that the two sisters, afflicted as they were with dementia, should wish to protect the wealth which was once so near their grasp, from the possibility of discovery by a stranger.  But I dared not take him quite yet into my full confidence.  Indeed, the situation did not demand it.  I had learned from him what I was most anxious to know, and was now in a position to forward my own projects without further aid from him.  Almost as if he had read my thoughts, Mr. Robinson now hastened to remark: 

“I find it difficult to credit these poor old souls with any such elaborate plan to empty the house, even had they possessed the most direct means of doing so, for no better reason than this one you state.  Had money been somehow involved, or had they even thought so, it would be different.  They are a little touched in the head on the subject of money; which isn’t very strange considering their present straits.  They even show an interest in other people’s money.  They have asked me more than once if any of their former neighbors have seemed to grow more prosperous since leaving Franklin Street.”

“I see; touched, touched!” I laughed, rising in my anxiety to hide any show of feeling at the directness of this purely accidental attack.  But the item struck me as an important one.  Mr. Robinson gave me a keen look as I uttered the usual commonplaces and prepared to take my leave.

“May I ask your intentions in this matter?” said he.

“I wish I knew them myself,” was my perfectly candid answer.  “It strikes me now that my first step should be to ascertain whether there exists any secret connection between the two houses which would enable the Misses Quinlan or their emissaries to gain access to their old home, without ready detection.  I know of none, and—­”

“There is none,” broke in its now emphatic agent.  “A half-dozen tenants, to say nothing of Mr. Searles himself, have looked it carefully over.  All the walls are intact; there is absolutely no opening anywhere for surreptitious access.”

“Possibly not.  You certainly discourage me very much.  I had hoped much from my theory.  But we are not done with the matter.  Mrs. Packard’s mind must be cleared of its fancies, if it is in my power to do it.  You will hear from me again, Mr. Robinson.  Meanwhile, I may be sure of your good will?”

“Certainly, certainly, and of my cooperation also, if you want it.”

“Thank you,” said I, and left the office.

His last look was one of interest not untinged by compassion.

CHAPTER XI

BESS