The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1895-01-24
THE WoRTFIln GToN ADVANCE.

q
Allan started perceptibly at these
words, as he exchanged q flashing
glance with Mrs. Maynard Ollin was
too wholly absorbed in his own
thoughts to notice this at all. "A M * y y
'''You see" he went on, without pause,
as, throwing off his ulster and giving it
to Williams, he returned to- the little
group who We're all eagerly awaiting
his next words, ST felt q little doubtful
about the genuineness Of that will
when found that Hunter and Ketchum
We're going to contest it. To be sure, it
seemed all right enough, SO far as I
could judge from the mere copy that
Jcnner sent us; still could not help
feeling some serious misgivings. With
out mentioning this fact to you, I set
myself to the task of discovering whom,
in case the will should prove to be
fraudulent, I could suspect. was not
long in arriving at q definite concur
sion. That very generous legacy to
Jenncr had looked rather significant to
me from the first, and made up my
mind that if there was anything
wrong about the will, Jenner was the
first person to be investigated. Her
mysterious disappearance as soon as
Hunter and Kctchum had thrown the
case into court confirmed my sus-
picion; consequently, when I received
q telegram from our New York attor-
neys, announcing the decision of the
court and demanding an explanation
from me-which was natural enough
under the circumstances-my plans took
definite shape at once I resolved to
hunt Jenner up, if it took half my for
tune and all of Pinlzerton's men to do
it! 1t would take too long to
detail the curious circumstances
found her away up in Vermont among
strangers and on her deathbed. She
had been fatally injured in a railway
accident while on her way to Rutland,
the accident occurring within short
distance of her destination. She was
perfectly conscious when l visited her,
and she seemed to realize her condition.
When told her for what purpose had
come, she Immediately and voluntarily
confessed that she herself forged that
will, relating every attending circum-
stance with minute detail. have the
confession in due form-legal affidavit,
sworn to in the presence of a magis-
trate-now in my possession, and tele-
graphed the substance of it to Hopkins
and Shepherd without an hours delay.
Thus the awkward uncertainty as to
who it was that willfully and felonioas-
ly forged that Dunlsirlx will is happily
and forever at an end. Why, Allan
oh, congratulations? Thank you, my
dear boy, thank your'
For Allan, after standing in apparent
stupefaction during this rapid recital,
had advanced excitedly and seized his
brothers hands in Il singularly impul-
sive and hearty grasp. His countenance
indicated an excess Of joy and relief SO
mingled with self-condemnation that
Ollin stared at him in speechless aston
ishment. But Mrs. Maynard's counte-
nance suddenly grew luminous with the
dawning Of a new idea.
:.Oh, Mr.. North" she exclaimed, turn
ing to Allan with angelic reproach in
her face. II comprehend this strange
affair at last! You thought-you s,1s-
pected - :s.sfG K =s5 sgsf ,.sa, +
s s'Spare me, Mrs. Maynardr' entreated
Allan, throwing up his hands with
gesture Of despair. II know a blunder
is accounted worse than a crime, and in
this case / have proven myself to be the
champion blunderer?'
II "Well, / say, Allan" interposed his
brother, recovering the power of speech,
IF your repentance is truthfully indi-
Gated by your expression of counte-
nance, you are certainly entitled to
mercy. Miss Hilary, what do you think
of this brother of mine? You have had
an opportunity to observe his conduct
and gauge his deserts. Shall we for
give him for the plumbers to which he
has confessed?"
s1%B But Miss Hilary did not hear the
question. Unable to conceal the agita~
ton caused by the revelations of the
past few moments, she had taken
refuge in the conservatory; and vixen
Allan looked around anxiously for her
Mrs. Maynard silently indicated to him
the place of her retreat
#& With mute but eloquent thanks, he
withdrew at once to the conservatory
to learn his fate from the final court of
appeal to which his case had been re-
ferred.
@ There was silence in the drawing
room for the space of two minutes, dur
ing which Ollin North walked nervous
" to and fro; then pausing beside Mrs.
Maynard he addressed her in firm, low
tones: 3. g.
''Mrs. Maynard, have waited now
for two long weeks for the answer that
you have promised me. Dor not hesitate
to speak--the worst can be only that
for which my fears have already pre-
pared me. Tell me, Nina, is it yes. or
MOP" ..... ;s5- s.I
The whispered monosyllable must
have been satisfactory, for he instantly
added, clasping both her hands in his:
s ':Are you sure of yourself now, dar-
ling? Do you love ME, after alp"
Her answer came impulsively, with
rush of April tears: afi,z e
.3 st did not need all the sorrow OF the