The Washington herald., 1906-12-17


said julius. mildly. ION the contrary, /
wish the poor fellow to die in peace.
TO die-what do you mean?"
What I say, Mr.. Durham. Payne tells
me that Bernard has been so exhausted
by his wandering when in hiding that
he cannot recover. His death is only
question of days. Mind you"-Juiius
wagged his finger again-'I really believe
he killed Sir Simon. but as he is dying.
why, shall do nothing. I am not a vim
dictive man. Besides" added julius, look
ing sideways at the lawyer, Bernard and
l are friends now. I am also friendly
with Miss MalIeson."
Indeed And how did you bring that
about?"
by acting straightforward and honor
| ably, as 1 always do" said the meek
Julius Miss Malleson acknowledged to
me that Bernard was sadly changed by
the hardships he had undergone All the
same, she recognized him. Unfortunately.
the poor fellow is too feeble to tell her Of
the perils he underwent, so she has not
had an opportunity Of talking much TO
him."
1t struck Durham from this speech that
Julius was doubtful Of the identity Of
Bernard with the man at the Bower. Else
why should he make this remark about
Alice not having had time to question the
sick man. seeing that Alice alone could
prove If he were Bernard or not? Dur
ham was perplexed, and wondered what
julius was driving at, and how much he
knew. clew came with the next words.
And being friends with Bernard, went
on Beryl, he is sorry that we quarreied.
fgre b.E he e ], d
he wants to make his viii In my favor"
Durham nearly uttered an exclamation.
for all Of a sudden the whole rascally
business became clear. Julius knew that
the man at the Bower was Michael, and
he was prepared TO extract from him a
forged will. In the hope that the real
| Bernard was dead. Having made use Of
Michael TO bring about the accusation Of
Gore, he now used him TO the very last
to get the money. However, Durham
kept his temper under. and pretended 70
believe that julius was speaking in all
good faith. He simply bowed his head.
Every word that Julius said was weaving
a rope for his own neck.
Are you surprised, then, at my call
ing?" said Julius, anxiously.
mo" said Durham, returning 10 his
seat IF Gore wishes 70 make a will,
suppose I am the man to draw il UP. I
must go down and receive his instruc-
tons"
Il have them with me-" said julius.
bringing out a sealed letter.
Durham, inwardly boiling at this ras-
cality, but outwardly calm, opened the
letter. while julius kept a sharp lookout
on him. He found a long letter. written
IN the same style as Bernard Gore usu-
ally wrote setting forth directions for
the will. These included an income Of five
hundred a year 20 Alice Malleson, and the
extra allowance OF four hundred 10 Mrs.
Gnroy. making her income lve hundred in
all The rest Of the estate, real and per
sonal, went 10 Julius Beryl Durham
smiled inwardly as he read this document.
It was exactly the kind Of viii Julius
wanted Michael was simply his instTu-
ment and Durham shrewdly suspected
that from some knowledge OF the forged
check Beryl had obtained this extraordi-
nary influence.
We'll, It seems clear enough" said the
lawyer, laying down the letter. but I
think Miss Malleson. seeing what she
loses. should have more"
I think she has quite enough said
Julius, taTtly.
Then, Mrs. Gilroy." said Durham. pre-
tending Ignorance. Why should Bernard
leave her this extra money!"
I cane say. Bernard will probably tel!
you himself. VIII you please draw out
the will. Mr.. Durham, and bring II down
70 the Bower for Gore To sign2'
For the sake Of appearances. Durham
went on making objections All these
were met by Julius with Internal clever
ness. until the lawyer-on the face Of tt
had not a leg TO stand on, as the saying
goes. Finally. he consented to draw up
the Will as instructed by the letter, and
agreed 20 meet Julius next day at Liver
pool street station TO go down with him
70 the Hall julius drew a long breath OF
relief when the lawyer so agreed, and
apparently had no idea that he was being
tricked all the time.
Il am much obliged to you. Mr.. Dur
ham" said he, holding out his hand. land
when I come into possession OF the es-
tate you viii find me good client"
Durham. for the sake of keeping UP the
deception. had 20 shake hands, although
he loathed himself for doing So When
the door closed on the arch plotter the
solicitor went at once TO wash his hands.
What complete scOundrel"' said Dur
ham 10 himself. And how confoundedly
clever. OF course, If the real Bernard
were dead this will might stand At all
events, even II Miss Malleson could prove
that Michael is not her lover, the new
will might lead to litigation. However. as
Bernard is alive and well. we can produce
him at the eleventh hour and brighten
Beryl I am afraid that young man viii
be hanged after all. though I am Unwill-
ing for the sake Of the family. that
things should come to that pass
However. Durham, true to his appoint
ment, arrived at the station the next day
and had the will in his pocket. julius
read It in the train going down and ex-
pressed his approval Of IL. It was now
Durham's cue 10 behave politely 10 Jul
Jus. and as though he truly believed in
him and IN the false Bernard Gore But
on the previous night he had written a
long letter TO Miss BeTengaria. which was
10 be read 10 Alice In Il Durham told the
whole of BeryTs scheme to get possession
of the property. But for obvious reasons
he said nothing Of Tolomeo's story or
BeryTs real guilt. He thought, very
truly. that even Miss Berengaria's nerves
could not stand being brought into such
close relationship with a proven murder
er. let alone that Alice might reveal the
truth out OF sheer disgust But the let
ter prepared the minds OF both ladies for
the execution Of the viii.
on arriving at the Bower the two men
were met by Jerry, looking more inno-
cent and childIike than ever. please.
missus says will you go into the draw
ing-room," said the infant, casting down
his eyes.
TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW.