On the day after his death I took the keys, which he always carried on a small chain around his neck and concealed underneath his clothing, and opened the cupboard to see if I could find anything of value.

It is needless to say, I could not discover anything that could be converted into a dollar.

The Captain had filled the cupboard with old letters and papers of no value, and with relics he had brought from foreign lands during his many voyages.

These last are mere rubbish, but I suppose he loved them for their association.

In the secret drawer I found his stock in the timber company, and also that of old Will Thompson, who had doubtless left it with my father for safekeeping.
Knowing it was now worthless, I left it in the drawer." "I'd like to see it," announced Uncle John.
Joe laughed.
"I've lost the keys," he said.
"How's that, my lad ?" "Why, on the day of the funeral the keys disappeared.