If Arthur had no wife, no child, no will adverse to him, why, then his interest was safe, for no will his brother could now make would be held as valid, and when he died everything would naturally go to him.

Of all this Frank thought during the few minutes he staid in the silent room.

Then he said to himself: 'I will see the child first.

After all I know nothing for certain--can never know anything for certain, and I should be a fool to give up all my children's interests for a fancy, an idea, which may have no foundation.

Arthur does not know half the time what he is saying, and might not tell the truth about Gretchen.