"Stay one moment, Master Whitehead," said Sir George; "if I remember aught, Sir Aubrey never had his part of the document delivered to him. His father expressly stated that a metal box was to be given to him, and under pains and penalties he was not to open it to this day.  But, as we know, that box was filched, and therefore Sir Aubrey could not possibly have opened it, neither can he be held accountable for its contents."