nmore stifled a yawn. He had the air of one wearied by a
profitless discussion.

"Well," he said, "I might certainly suggest a few things. Who was your
trustee or guardian, or your father's man of business?

"Mr. Ascough, of Lincoln's Inn Fields."

"Exactly. Your father saw him, of course, prior to his departure from
England."

"Yes."

"Well, is it not a fact that instead of making a will your father made
over by deed of gift the whole of his small income to your mother in
trust for you?"

"Yes, he did that," Brooks admitted.

Lord Arranmore shrugged his shoulders.

"Think that over," he remarked. "Doesn't that suggest his already
half-formed intention never to return?"

"It never struck me in that way," Brooks answered. "Yet it is obvious,"
Lord Arranmore said. "Now, I happen to know from your father himself
that he never intended to go to Australia, and he never intended to
return to England. He sailed instead by an Allan liner from Liverpool
to Quebec under the name of Francis. He went straight to Montreal, and
he stayed there until he had spent the greater part of his money. Then
he drifted out west. There is his history for you in a few words."

A sudden light flashed in Brooks' eyes.

"He told you that he left England meaning never to return? Then you
have the key to the whole thing. Why not? That is what I want to know.
Why not?"

"I do not know," Lord Arranmore answered, coolly. "He never told me."

Brooks felt a sudden chill of disappointment. Lord Arranmore rose
slowly to his feet.

"Mr. Brooks," he said, "I have told you all that I know. You have
asked me a question which I have not been able to answer. I can,
however, give you some advice which I will guarantee to be
excellent--some advice which you will do well to follow. Shall I go
on?"

"If you please!"

"Do not seek to unravel any further what may seem to you to be the
mystery of your father's disappearance from the world. Depend upon it,
his action was of his own free will, and he had excellent reasons for
it. If he had wished you to know them he would have communicated with
you. Remember, I was with your father during his last days--and this is
my advice to you."

Brooks pointed downward to the crumpled ball of paper.

"That letter!" he exclaimed.

Lord Arranmore shrugged his shoulders.

"I scarcely see its significance," he said. "It is not even my word
against Lacroix'. I sent you all your father's papers, I brought back