long ago. If he dies, the papers will be found hidden away somewhere.
It is beyond conception that he could ever leave the girl to such a
fate."

I shook my head, obsessed with a shadow of doubt.

"A mistake men often make--the putting off to the last moment doing the
disagreeable task. How many, expecting to live, delay the making of a
will until too late. In this case I am unable to conceive why, if
Beaucaire has ever signed papers of freedom, for these two, the fact
remains unknown even to his lawyer. One fact is certain, nothing
bearing upon the case has been recorded, or Haines would know of it."

"There is nothing on record, Haines assured himself as to that some
years ago. The fact is, Knox, that while I hope this provision has
been made, there remains a doubt in my mind. Beaucaire has traveled on
my boat several times, but he's an unsociable fellow; I don't like him;
he's not my kind. If he still harbors hatred toward that run-away
son--and to my notion he is exactly that sort--he will never feel any
too kindly toward Delia, or her child. If he has not freed them, that
will be the reason--no neglect, but a contemptible revenue."

"What are the two girls named?"

"Rene, and Eloise."

"Which one is the daughter?"

"Really, Lieutenant, I do not know. You see I was never introduced,
but merely gained a glimpse of them in the garden. I doubt if I would