The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1893-06-21


to clinch the previous testimony the ex-
perts are introduced"
"Experts?" repeated Mrs. Maynard
in tone CT vague speculation.
Eyes; chirographical experts, you
know, to decide as to the genuineness
of the signatures. Submitting the
document to the usual tests, in connec-
tion with Enthusiastically genuine speci-
mems of the handwriting of the attor-
ney, the testatriX and the witnesses, the
experts unhesitatingly swore that the
will was 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 to complete the effect
of specifically Indifferent manner,
'they have made affairs extremely
awkward for us. 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"
"NIH Northl"
Mrs. Maynard had risen excitedly,
and she was now pacing restlessly to
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 asperity.
HMr NprtbI rn,,ct ouly Won not n
trife. 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
it to be investigated?"
North was radiant.
"That is cleverly to the point!" he
declared to himself with admiring ap'
proval; 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
proven-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"
'T, Mr.. Northp" 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 delicately white hands
clasped idly, while he trihcd with the
solitaire ring on his little finger. Ever
in the midst of her troubled thoughts
Mrs. Maynard's eye caught the fire ant
sparkle of the diamond. She had neveI
noticed it before.
81, 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
SItdully TeJuTucu mEo. mdy hdIu AL
quiring gaze. Then with deliberat
emphasis he said:
"Why should you move in an investi
cation, Mrs. Maynard? The reason
obvious; to clear yourself of all sus
picion of completely in this forgery"
She started, and her lips grew ashen
"Do they suspect me?" Her ton
was scarcely audible; her breath cam
quickly in nervous, irregular gasps.
"How can I tell, Mrs. Maynard
Whatever suspicious there may be II
regard to this affair, they are safel.
locked up thus far in the wise brains o
our opponents. You and I are no
likely to be the first ones to hear o
themp'
There was an unmistakable signif
canoe in tone and words. He threy
his head back with an indolent laugh
and looked up sharply TO note the et
feet.
A quick color rose to her brow, a sud
den flash came in her brown eyes,
nervous irritability betrayed itself Il
her manner; but the source of thi
very perceptible agitation he did no
feel justified, at that point, in definite