Meanwhile, becoming more eccentric as he grew older, the father discharged all his old servants, and lived the life of a recluse.

When he died suddenly, and almost alone, he left a will, probably drawn up soon after he learned of his son's wedding, leaving his property to Philip, providing the young man returned, with his wife, to live upon the estate within six months; otherwise the entire estate should be divided among certain named charities.

Three administrators were named, of whom Neale here was one." I glanced back at the man referred to; he was leaning forward, his elbow on his knees, and, catching my eyes, drew a legal-looking paper from his pocket.
"Here is a copy of the will," he said, "if Craig cares to examine it." "Not now," I replied.

"Let me hear the entire story first." Vail leaned back in his chair, a cigar between his lips.
"The administrators," he went on, as though uninterrupted, and repeating a set speech, "endeavored to locate young Henley, but failed.
Then Mr.Neale was sent here to make a personal search.

He came to me for aid, and legal advice.