His being on the same train with you was a part of a well-laid plan, and I have no doubt but what he deliberately slugged you while you two were alone on the observation platform.

As I understand, that is exactly his line of work." "But--but," he stammered, "what was his object?
Why did those people scheme to get me ?" "Why! Money, no doubt; you are wealthy, are you not ?" "Yes, to an extent.

I inherited property, but I had no considerable sum with me that day; not more than a few hundred dollars." "As I told you, Mr.Cavendish, I do not know all the details, but I think these men--one of whom is a lawyer--planned to gain possession of your fortune, possibly by means of a forged will; and, in order to accomplish this, it was necessary to get you out of the way.

It looks as though they were afraid to resort to actual murder, but ready enough to take any other desperate chance.

Do you see what I mean ?" "They will rob me! While holding me here a prisoner they propose robbing me through the courts ?" "That is undoubtedly their object, but, I happen to know, it has not yet been fully accomplished.