His death was an accident." "What is it then you are afraid of ?" I told her, dwelling upon our situation so far as I could understand it, and describing the change in my plans.

She listened quietly, asking a question now and then, sitting erect, the oilskins thrown aside, and one hand grasping the boat's rail.
"What papers did you find in the desk ?" "Letters mostly, establishing the identity of the Captain." "Who is he--really ?" "Charles Henley--Philip Henley's half brother by a negro mother.

Did you ever hear of him ?" "No; I was never told there was such a man." "I doubt if anyone, outside those immediately interested, ever knew the circumstances.

Of course the family kept it a close secret.

This is where the man had all the advantage.