John Steele looked at him, at the wavering face, the uncertain eyes. No
doubt existed now in his mind; Gillett had not secured the paper, or he
would have given it to his patron when they were alone. That fact was
patent; the document was gone, irretrievably; there could be no hope of
recovering it. The bitter knowledge that it had really once existed
would not serve John Steele long. But with seeming resolution he went
on: "I had the story from his own lips," deliberately, "put in the form
of an affidavit, duly signed and witnessed."

"You did?" Lord Ronsdale stared at him a long time. "This is a
subterfuge."

"It is true."

"Where--is the paper?"

"Not in my pocket."

The other considered. "You mean it is in a safe place?"

"One would naturally take care of such a document."

"You did not have any such paper at Strathorn."

"No?" John Steele smiled but he did not feel like smiling. "Not there
certainly."

"I mean no such paper existed then, or you would have taken advantage of
it."