Part 45 (1/2)
”And has he confessed to murdering old David?” Jasper eagerly asked.
”Not exactly. But he has come so near to it that not the shadow of a doubt is left about his guilt. I believe that he will confess all shortly in the hope that he may escape the death penalty by doing so.”
Jasper remained silent for a while apparently studying the scenery as they sped on their way. But he saw nothing of tree, flower or rich rolling meadows. His thoughts were elsewhere, and his next question revealed the working of his mind.
”To whom am I indebted for the collecting of all that valuable evidence?” he questioned. ”Some one must have been very busy.”
”You are indebted to several,” was the reply. ”But Miss Sinclair has been the most active.”
”So I imagined,” was all Jasper said and he once more lapsed into a silence which he did not break until the car drew up before Mr.
Westcote's office. He knew now that Lois cared for him, and his heart thrilled with joy as he thought of the efforts she had made on his behalf. How he longed to see her and thank her for what she had done.
The surprise which came to Jasper upon his speedy release and vindication was nothing compared to the shock he received when Mr.
Westcote told him about old David's will.
”Surely he has not left everything to me!” Jasper exclaimed.
”No, not all; merely half after a few bequests have been disposed of.
Then you and Miss Sinclair are to share alike.”
”I don't seem to comprehend it all yet,” and Jasper placed his hand to his forehead in a bewildered manner.
”It's only natural that you shouldn't. It will take you some time to grasp the significance of the bequest which has been made to you. Your responsibility will be very heavy, but from what I know of you I believe that you will be equal to the undertaking.”
”I shall do the best I can,” Jasper replied. ”I am too much dazed at present to think it carefully over. For a man to be freed from all suspicion of a terrible crime, and then to find himself heir to a vast fortune all in one day is enough to turn any one's brain.”
A knock sounded upon the office door, and Dr. Turnsell at once entered.
He shook hands with Jasper and heartily congratulated him.
”I have come to tell you,” he added, ”that Bramshaw has made a full confession of his crime. He is a nervous wreck, and this morning he broke down completely.”
”I am very thankful that he has confessed,” and Jasper gave a sigh of relief. ”Wasn't it lucky that he was caught before he got over the Border?”
”You have to thank Miss Sinclair for that,” Mr. Westcote replied. ”But for her prompt action I am afraid we would be frantically searching for Bramshaw now.”
”And I would be still in jail,” Jasper mused.
”Undoubtedly. Now, it seems to me that Miss Sinclair should be informed of what has happened as soon as possible.Suppose we slip up and tell her?”
”That will be great,” and Jasper sprang to his feet. ”When can we start?”
”At once. The car is waiting outside. I knew that you would be anxious to go, and so ordered the chauffeur to be ready.”
CHAPTER x.x.xIII
THE REAL HAVEN
Lois rose early that morning and attended to numerous household affairs. It was necessary for her to keep busy, as her mind was always calmer when her hands were employed. She had the feeling that the day would be an unusual one, and that much would happen before its close.