Once in possession of the papers, she had, as she told Trafford, failed in the courage to destroy them, and had easily persuaded herself that they might at some time be an actual means of protection to her husband. Therefore she had hidden them, as stated, and thus finally they had passed into Theodore Wing's hands to prove his death warrant.
The judge was much broken over the loss of the papers, the facts in regard to which could not be kept from the public. For a time, the scandal blazed up and the Matthewsons had to meet charges which could be proved by no one and which, therefore, they were the more bold in denying. Then public interest was turned to other issues, only to be aroused again for a time by Judge Parlin's candidacy for the highest State court and his defeat, which he did not long survive.
"But when," she demanded, "could Theodore have found these papers?"
"About two years ago, I should say; perhaps a little earlier," said Trafford. "At least, it was then known that he had found them, for on no other theory can we explain the ransacking of his desk.
