Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-08-10

"It was Norristown, thank you" The
sharp gray eyes returned with the words
70 Mrs. Maynard's face. well, then,
It was shown conclusively that Norris
town died exactly ten days previous TO
the date Of the will ian unquestionable
alibi, by the wayD which important
fact, in the judgment Of the court, rem
dcred all his subsequent proceedings
invalid, at least within that jurisdic-
ton"
"Norristown is dead2" echoed Mrs.
Maynard, with a quick change Of color.
Then she added, in a tone Of tragical
despair:
~ perceive that you are right, Mr..
North; shred by shred the unsubstan.
tial fabric Is going TO tattersi What
next2"
Next" pursued North, with a rather
inexplicable smile, 1--WE come 10 the dis.
closures made by the experts The
whole affair, you see, has been merci-
lcssly sifted. Hunter and Ketchum are
unrclcnting."
"Unprincipledl Mercenaryl" cried
Mrs. Maynard, with sudden little flash
Of resentment. IAN that they wish il
TO secure for themselves handsome fees
from the estatel'
"Oh, possibly" returned North, with
incident amusement Nevertheless
my dear Mrs. Maynard, whatever their
motive, the fact remains-they are re-
lentless. Up TO this point the only evil.
dence offered has been the ordinary
verbal and documentary sort; but now
TO olinch the previous testimony the ex-
perts are introduced"
"Experts2" repeated Mrs Maynard
in tone Of vague speculation.
yes; autographed experts, you
know, 10 decide as 10 the genuineness
Of the signatures. Submitting the
document 10 the usual tests, in connec-
ton with unmistakably genuine speci-
mems OF the handwriting of the attor-
ney, the testatrix and the witnesses, the
experts unhesitatingly swore that the
will was a forgery from beginning TO
end. Thus you see, Mrs. Maynard"
and here North leaned back In his chair
and folded his arms composedly, half
closing his eyes 10 complete the effect
of specifically Indifferent manner,
they have made affairs extremely
awkward for u.s. Who knows, now,
for instance, who may be suspected OF
having had hand in this business?
Why, they may even honor me with
some such suspicion; there's no doubt
OF the possibility
"Mr. Northm
Mrs. Maynard had risen excitedly,
and she was now pacing restlessly 10
and fro, her trailing dress sweeping
over the carpet in creamy folds Her
delicate dark brows were contracted,
her expression was troubled, her tone
edged with aspcrity.
"Mr. North must ask you not TO
triilc, Affairs are far too serious for
that. Tell me, please, precisely how
we stand. This forgery having been
discovered, the WILL of course, Is set
aside. Does the matter end there, or is
ito be investigated?'
North was radiant.
THAT Is clcverly to the point" he
declared TO himself with admiring APP
provnl; then TO Mrs. Maynard he re-
sponded guardedly:
"Oh, there will be an investigation,
OF course. The affair is quite too seri-
Gus, as you say-forgery and conspira-
cy, you know; state prison offense, II
provcn--to be passed over. For this
reason" he added, with a significant
glance at Mrs. Maynard, 81 advise that
you take immediate action in the mat
ter"
"I, Mr.. North?" she echoed, family,
as she paused and looked appealingly
at him.
He was leaning back languidly, the
very picture OF graceful composure
with his elbows resting on the arms o.
his chair, and his delicatcly white hand
clasped idly, while he trified with tn,
solitaire ring on his little finger. Ever
In the midst of her troubled thoughts
Mrs. Maynards eye caught the fire ant
sparkle Of the diamond. She had neve
noticed 1t before.
~, Mr.. North?" She repeated, will
vague caution; for in North's glanc
and manner there was something sub
tile, intangible, that placed her, sh,
knew not why, instantly upon he
guard. And pray, why should NOV
in an Investigations"
North waited for moment to give
greater effect To his answer, while h
steadily returned Mrs. Maynard's in
quiring gaze. Then with dclibcrat
emphasis he said;
"Why should you move In an investi
CATION Mrs Maynard? The reason I
obvious; to clear yourself Of all Su'
piciun uf comDilri'v In tails frgrry!"
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