Volume II: Chapters I - III Summary

I - The Writing in the Book

Once he returns to his rooms at Fig Tree Court and hoping he is wrong, Robert searches George's trunks for evidence of the letters from his wife, Helen. George spoke of the letters often, and Robert had seen the packet, but it is no longer with George's belongings. At first, Robert despairs of ever finding out what happened to his friend, but he decides to continue his investigation. He looks through the remainder of the books and papers among George's things. His efforts are rewarded when he discovers an inscription in the front of one of George's books. It is written in the hand of Helen Talboys. It is a hand that Robert recognizes. The knowledge makes him sad, for he must now take George's son...