“More cash?” Craft was quiet and attentive in a moment.  The word “cash” had a magical influence over him.

Sharpman arose, closed the door between the two rooms tightly, and locked it.  “Some one might chance to intrude,” he explained.

Then he came back, sat down in front of his visitor, and assumed an attitude of confidence.

“Yes,” he said, “more cash; ten times as much.”

“Well, what’s your plan?” asked the old man, somewhat incredulously.

“Let me tell you first what I know,” replied the lawyer.  “I know that Mrs. Burnham believes this boy to be dead; believes it with her whole mind and heart.  You would find it exceedingly difficult to convince her to the contrary.  She would explain away your proofs:  she would fail to recognize the child himself.  Such an errand as you propose would be little better than useless.”

Sharpman paused.

“Well, what’s your plan?” repeated Craft, impatiently.

The lawyer assumed a still more confidential attitude.

“Listen!  Burnham died rich.  His wealth will mount well up into the hundreds of thousands.  He leaves a widow and one daughter, a little girl.  This boy, if he is really Burnham’s son, is entitled to one third of the personal property absolutely, to one third of the real estate at once, and to one fourth of the remainder at his mother’s death.  Do you understand?” Old Simon nodded.  This was worth listening to.  He began to think that this shrewd lawyer was going to put him in the way of making a fortune after all.  Sharpman continued:  “Now, the boy is a minor.  He must have a guardian.  The mother would be the guardian preferred by law; but if, for any reason, she should fail to recognize the boy as her son, some one else must be appointed.  It will be the duty of the guardian to establish his ward’s identity in case it should be disputed, to sue for his portion of the estate, if necessary, and to receive and care for it till the boy reaches his majority.  The usual guardian’s commission is five per cent, retainable out of the funds of the estate.  Do you see how the management of such an estate would be a fortune to a guardian, acting within the strict letter of the law?”

Craft nodded again, but this time with eagerness and excitement.  He saw that a scheme was being opened up to him that outrivalled in splendid opportunities any he had ever thought of.

After a pause Sharpman asked, glancing furtively at his client:—­

“Do you think, Mr. Craft, that you could take upon your shoulders the duties and responsibilities attendant upon such a trust?  In short, could you act as this boy’s guardian?”

“Yes, no doubt of it”; responded the old man, eagerly.  “Why, I would be the very person.  I am his nearest friend.”

“Very well; that’s my opinion, too.  Now, then, as to the boy’s identity.  There must be no mistake in proving that.  What proof have you?  Tell me what you know about it.”