"I sometimes think he is not in his right mind," said Robert. "What do you think, sir?" he continued, appealing to the Major.
"I am not so charitable," said the Major. "I think he was quite aware of what he was doing and that he had a motive in what he did."
"I will keep that to myself at present. I have my suspicions, but they may be groundless."
In fact Major Woodley suspected that Cromwell was acting under instructions from Paul Morton, of whom he had a bad opinion, and he determined to satisfy himself on this point when they reached New York. But he felt that it would not be of any service to impart this to Robert until he should have ascertained definitely.
After waiting two days, during which no tidings were received of Robert, James Cromwell determined to go to New York. He had hoped that the body might be found in order that he might carry with him the proof that would entitle him to the reward of ten thousand dollars. But he did not venture to suggest that the pond should be dragged, lest it might appear that he was too well informed about the matter.
He announced his determination to Mr. Manton and Clara the evening previous. He thought it politic to assign a double motive for his departure.
"You may remember," he said, "that I referred to a relative in delicate health from whom I expected a legacy."
"I have received intelligence that he is very low and wishes to see me. So, although it will be inconvenient for me to leave my business, I find it necessary to go."
"Perhaps you may be rewarded for going," suggested Mr. Manton.
"Yes, I have no reason to doubt that I shall be well remembered in my relative's will. I think that when I return there will be nothing to prevent my complying with the conditions you named, and that I may be able to claim your daughter's hand."
"Perhaps I may change my mind," said Clara, energetically; but she saw fit to devote herself to her suitor through the entire evening, displaying an affability and assumed interest which quite captivated him. The thoughts of her favor even drove away the memories of the dark deed which, as he fully believed, had consigned to a watery grave the boy who had been committed to his charge.
"There seems some chance of his story proving true," said Mr. Manton, when the two were alone.