hich he had been seen, and the basket of
keys which he was carrying in his hand, suggested the inference that he
had come from one of the rooms in the east wing, and that he might have
opened some of the pieces of furniture in one of them. I surprised the
lawyer (who seemed to be quite ignorant of the extraordinary actions
constantly performed by somnambulists), by informing him that my uncle
could find his way about the house, lock and unlock doors, and remove
objects of all kinds from one place to another, as easily in his sleep
as in his waking hours. And I declared that, while I felt the faintest
doubt in my own mind whether he might not have been dreaming of the
Trust on the night in question, and putting the dream in action in his
sleep, I should not feel satisfied unless the rooms in the east wing
were searched again.

"It is only right to add that there is not the least foundation in fact
for this idea of mine. During the latter part of his fatal illness, my
poor uncle was quite incapable of speaking on any subject whatever. From
the time of my arrival at St. Crux, in the middle of last month, to the
time of his death, not a word dropped from him which referred in the
remotest way to the Secret Trust.

"Here then, for the present, the matter rests. If you think it right to
communicate the contents of this letter to Miss Vanstone, pray tell
her that it will not be my fault if her sister's assertion (however
preposterous it may seem to my uncle's executors) is not fairly put to
the proof.

"Believe me, dear Miss Garth, always truly yours,

"GEORGE BARTRAM.

"P. S.--As soon as all business matters are settled, I am going abroad
for some months, to try the relief of change of scene. The house will be
shut up, and left under the charge of Mrs. Drake. I have not forgotten
your once telling me that you should like to see St. Crux, if you ever
found yourself in this neighborhood. If you are at all likely to be
in Essex during the time when I am abroad, I have provided against the
chance of your being disappointed, by leaving instructions with Mrs.
Drake to give you, and any friends of yours, the freest admission to the
house and grounds."

VIII.

_From Mr. Loscombe to Mrs. Noel Vanstone._

"Lincoln's Inn Fields, May 24th.

"DEAR MADAM--After a whole fortnight's search--conducted, I am bound to
admit, with the most conscientious and unrelaxing care--no such document
as the Secret Trust has been found among