If there was anything Dr. Sampson bowed down to and respected it was
wealth, and Mr. Bundy, senior, was reputed to be worth a considerable
fortune.

In Rodney's mood John Bundy was about the last person whom he wanted to
see.

"Ha!" said John, espying the open casket, "where did you get all that
jewelry?"

"It contains my mother's jewels," said Rodney gravely.

"You never showed it to me before."

"I never had it before. It came to me by express this afternoon."

"It must be worth a good pile of money," said John, his eyes gleaming
with cupidity.

"I suppose it is."

"Have you any idea what it is worth?"

"I have no thought about it."

"What are you going to do with it? It won't be of use to you, especially
the diamond earrings," he added, with a coarse laugh.

"No," answered Rodney shortly.