Augusta Huiell Seaman

“ Cookson was managing his affairs here alone, there came this letter from his twin brother, dying in India, and Cookson in his capacity of secretary of course read it. This put an entirely new complexion on the affair. But Mr. Cookson, far from being pleased, was furious that his chance of the big inheritance was gone—or going. And then a great temptation came to him. Uncle was far away and knew nothing of this letter. Why need he ever know? The brother was dying and could never benefit by it anyhow. The children might never survive the Indian climate, which is so hard on growing young people. ”

“ After a time, and with the aid of many old keys, he managed to open the chest and there discovered all the bonds and jewels that had been missing so long. But just at that time he received word from Uncle that he was re turning unexpectedly, as he was not very well, and would be home the next week. This finally decided old Cookson. He determined to find a new hiding-place for the chest (as Uncle might some time remember and explore the secret passage) and, by testing the wood work, he found a hollow space under the window-seat on the stair and concealed the chest there. ”

“ While Miss Carstair was having her luncheon, he came in and re ported to Connie and me. Mr. Cookson had confessed all, during the night, under pressure from Tomkins and in fear of being imprisoned, which Tomkins promised to avert if he could, provided Mr. Cookson would tell the truth. And this is the story he told:
When he had first come into Uncle's employ as secretary and confidential manager of the business, he had not suspected that Uncle had ever had a twin brother nor anything about the unfortunate disappearance. ”