There he paused and the pasha continued to smile non-committally,
but the word fortune was operating. In the back of his mind he was
hastily trying to think of rich old women in France who might change
their wills.

"I am afraid that it is my stupidity which has kept you from the
knowledge of this for some weeks," McLean went on. "I had so many
other matters to look up that I did not at once consult my records.
And it has been so many years since you married Madame Delcassé that
the name had slipped general recollection.... It was twelve years
ago, I believe, that she died?"

Casually he waited and Jack Ryder held his breath. He felt the full
suspense of a pause long enough for the pasha's thoughts to dart
down several avenues and back. If the man should deny it! But why
should he? What harm in the admission, after all these years, with
Madame Delcassé dead and buried? And with a fortune involved in the
admission.

The Turk bowed and Ryder breathed again.

"Ten years," said Tewfick softly.

"Ah--ten. But there has been no communication with France for twelve
years or even longer?"

"Possibly not, monsieur."

"This old aunt," pursued McLean, "was a person of prejudice as well