human
Do you believe Frederick Cavendish is dead?
gpt
Yes.
human
Well, I don't! he exclaimed.
gpt
I believe he is alive! My theory is that this was all carefully arranged, but that circumstances compelled them to act quickly, and before they were entirely ready. Two unexpected occurrences hurried them into action.
human
What?
gpt
The quarrel in the restaurant, leading to the making of the will, he answered gravely,
human
And was killed before he could do so?
gpt
Possibly; but if that dead man had no scar on his chest, he was not Frederick Cavendish; he was an impostor; some poor victim deliberately substituted because of his facial resemblance. Tell me, if it was Fred who was murdered, what became of the money he was known to have in his private safe? What became of the original copy of the will he had in his pocket when he left the club?
human
I--I do not know.
gpt
Yet these things are true, are they not? No money, no will was found. There is but one reason possible, unless others entered after the murder and stole these things. My belief is that Fred returned to his apartments, took what money he required, packed his valise, and departed without a word to any one. He often did things like that--hastily, on the spur of the moment.
human
But what happened afterward?
gpt
The rest is all theory. I do not know, but I'll make a guess. In some way the conspirators learned what had occurred, but not in time to intercept his departure; yet they had everything ready for action, and realised this was the opportunity. Frederick had disappeared leaving no trace behind; they could attend to him later, intercept him, perhaps---- Wait! Keep still. There comes the carriage from the train.