him at Creekdale, living as a pauper.  By the description given in paper Number 1 I knew that he was the man for whom I had been searching.  After that, matters moved along very smoothly.  He had a fond scheme, too, which served my purpose splendidly.  He was wrapped up in the idea of converting the water of Break Neck Falls into light and power for the benefit of the entire community.  I consulted with the best engineers, and they said the scheme was most feasible, and so we began work.  David was paid a sum of money for his plans, which satisfied him, and he was made Honorary President of a company which has never really existed.  The money at my disposal made everything easy.  You know the rest, and why should I go further into details?  It would be unnecessary for me to tell you of the faithful and excellent work of Mr. Randall.  He has been of great assistance to me, and without his aid my task would have been much harder than it has been.”

When Mr. Westcote paused Lois looked enquiringly into his face.

“May I speak now?” she asked.  “I have been very patient, have I not?”

“Indeed you have, Miss Sinclair,” and Mr. Westcote smiled.  “You may ask anything you like.”

“Surely you have not told me all.  I thought you had merely begun when you stopped.  Who was David Findley, anyway, and what does paper Number 2 contain?  I am most curious to know the end of this strange story.”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you a very important thing,” and Mr. Westcote laughed.  “My instructions in paper Number 1 told me not to open Number 2 until after the old man’s death.  Then I should learn all about him and the mystery of my strange commission would be solved.”

“Do you know yet?” Lois eagerly asked.  “Have you broken the seal?”

“Yes, I broke it this morning, and have read the contents of the paper three times.  I am going to read it to you now, for that will be better than if I tell it to you in my own words.”

CHAPTER XXXI

PAPER NUMBER TWO

Mr. Westcote was about to begin the reading of the manuscript lying before him, when his lawyer was announced.

“Excuse me for a moment,” he said, “I must speak to Dr. Turnsell at once.”

“Suppose we go out for a while, Father,” Margaret suggested.  “You will wish to see him privately, I suppose.”

“Remain just where you are,” was the reply.  “It is not necessary for you to leave.”

When they were alone Lois and Margaret discussed what Mr. Westcote had just told them.

“Isn’t it strange?” Margaret began.  “Did you ever hear anything like it before?”

“No, I never did,” was the reply.  “But did you know about it?”

“Oh, yes.  Father told me, of course, but I had to promise that I wouldn’t say a word about it.  And I didn’t, did I, not even to you?  I longed to tell you all I knew, but that would not have been right.”