As soon as the Judge died he determined to represent himself as Philip, and claim the property.
"As Philip had been absent so long, no one could dispute successfully his claim to be that individual.

He possessed ample evidence that he was the son of Judge Henley." "But surely he would anticipate that my hus--Philip--would hear of his father's death ?" "He took the chance of getting the property into his hands first.

As I understand the matter he possessed no knowledge that the Judge was in communication with Philip.

He believed the latter had disappeared utterly, and would only learn of his inheritance through accident.

To prevent this he dispatched a man North to discover him, if possible, and keep him under surveillance.