The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-06-20

hundred and fifty pounds. This time, however, a note was appended to the an- nsuncement, stating that no further re- ward would be offered. And now ensued an anxious time for Mir. Goulding. Many messages passed between him and Mir. Poynter: many discussions took place be- tween the solicitors themselves Mfr ShuttlewoTth was of the opinion that Mir. Goulding's fellow-passenger was the cul- prit; while Mir. Goulding thought it was either the woman who opened the car riage door or some one who had been standing by at the moment. The more they argued, the more positive MT Shut tleworth became in fact so convinced was he that he longed to hand descrip- ton of the gentleman 10 the police.
 There was one scrap of consolation for them; it Was evident the holder of the will had not as yet negotiated with Sir Peter Mossop, as in that case the baronet would probably have bought it in at once and laid claim to the estate; or if he had been 90 honorable as te refuse, the docu- ment would have been restored to the rightful owners. However, the crisis was reached when one day Messrs. Shuttle worth & Goulding were waited upon by Mir. Keene "a second rate London so- licitor-who said that he was acting for Mir. Crooks, of Wrtxham who had asked him to call, on behalf of Sir Peter Mos sop,, with reference to the will of his de- ceased relative.
 Perhaps l am taking a liberty" he said "but have come only to save trouble. Sir Peter understands that the will has pot been proved yet, and indeed it would appear that grave doubts might arise as to its validity. Under these cir cumstances he is advised to apply for letters of administration as nex, of kin if probate be not applied for by you within the nex. few days, or if it be, to dispute the will unless an amicable arrangement can be effected. My instructions now are merely to ask your intentions, if you have no objections to state them"
 Both partners were present at the in- terview, and neither of them spoke for a few moments after MT. keene had con- cluded. The question was indeed one which required little time for reflection. It was plain that Sir Peter, or his solici- tor, suspected that there was something wrong about the will, or that 1t was not forthcoming; but as to entertaining doubts as to it's validity, that was only an empty threat, designed to frighten the legatees inss buying of the baronet with share of the estate.
 If the latter had really contemplated challenging the will, he-or Mir. Crooks for him-would have taken action at once, instead of parleying in this way. Of course Crooks and his client had endea- vored to take them by surprise in getting Mir. Keene to call, and not communicat- ing by letter, which would have allowed time to consider the reply; and they thought, no doubt, that the London firm would be entrapped into making some indiscreet admission. But MT. Shuttle worth was shrewd old fellow, and not :o be caught that way.
 "We don't for a moment consider that Mir. Mossop's will is open to question" he said; and, for my own part, should be sorry if Mir. Crooks buoyed up his client with groundless expectations that could only lead to further expense and disappointment"
 70 lite so," assented Mir. Goulding, who was feeling very nervous.
 "And as to the probate" Mir. Shuttle worth continued, "we hope to attend to that matter in day or two, if possible. That is all the information can give you, sir" he added, and bowed Mir. Keene out before that gentleman could renew the subject.
 When he was gone, Mir. Gouldlng gave a sigh of relief "You got out of that very well," he observed "but have grave fears as to how the affair will end"
 Ut is a perfect mystery" said MT. Shuttleworth for unless we suppose that the thief is expecting a still larger reward, in spite of the announcement that this was final, there is no possible SO. lution of it that can see. The bag and the will must be in somebody's possession. If the person is honest, he can easily re- store them, for our address is on them all {; if he is dishonest, there is the L25o to tempt him !; or he might try what he could get from Sir Peter, if he knew the rcumstances and thought our offer too small"
 "I am afraid we can't hold ont much longer, however" said MT. Goulding, as he set forth on another fruitless journey to Poynter's office.
 It may perhaps appear strange that the solicitors had not engaged the services of Scotland Yard detective. ltwas not, however. that they undervalued the skill ot those officers, but at first they had both felt SO confident that the reward would be sufficient to recover the will that they had not taken any other steps, except, of course, that Mir. Coulding had given information at the Crewe police of- 6ce. Nov that some time had elapsed, to track the thief would be an absolutely hopeless task, for they had no tangible clue to go upon. Had bundle of bank notes been stolen, there would have been a chance of tracing them by the nam- bers, because the thief would naturally attempt to circulate them : but a will vas worth nothing to any one but the parties concerned. Under the circumstances, they could do nothing but await the course of events.
 A few more days passed, asd Mir. E -f