Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-11-23
II.

| Entered presently q ldll' ldir Hhaii
with blond beard close cut on the chin,
and dropping over the lips, insinuating
of address, prepossessing in appear
ance, though the physiognomist might
have noted discrepancy between the
cold narrowness of the eyes and the
blandness Of the mouth, as IL the
mustache. perhaps, prevented a CO.
ordination Of these expressive features.
Having modestly and briefly men
toned some unexceptionable references
as to his character and occupation, he
craved the courtesy and honor Of a
confidential talk with the eminent law
yer.
The Judge looked toward where
Cronkite had been seated. but the chair
was empty; the detective had disap-
peared. He glanced comprehendingly
at the screen in the corner, frowned at
first and then smiling indulgently, as
if from the reflection that q wilful man
must have his way.
"Yes," he replied, turning to the
newcomer, "and how may serve
you?"
Mr. Pitney drew up his chair to the
desk, with an air at once deferential
and candid.
81 come at the instance Of Miss
Alice Barr" he explained. Your let
ter, judge, came during the very seri-
Gus illness of her father, and as she Is
so much alone in the world and its in
telligence was so startling she natural
ly asked me to represent"
why, naturally?" interposed the
judge, sharply.
"Ah, a thousand pardons; should
have prefaced my remarks with the
statement that Alice and I are affianced
lovers. A great happiness often
makes US thoughtless, Judge"
The old lawyers face cleared, as If
there might be sentimental vein un-
der the judicial crust.
II congratulate you most cordially,
Mr. Pitney," he said. Il am very fond
Of Alice-young, inexperienced, impul-
sive, she is as good as gold. What are
her wishes?"
"She wants to know whether there
is anything she ought to do in her
fathers disability. She would much
prefer, you know, to leave matters en-
tirely in your hands. After all it is a
family affair.""
"And she feels that I can be trusted
to act as amicus curiae, eh? Well, Mr..
Pitney, l can see no need Of other
counsel in the case. Miss Emily knows
that she is only carrying out her faith
er's honorable purpose in directing me
to have the new will admitted to pro-
bate. 1t will be but formal proceed
ing. The same witnesses, you see, as
to the former instrument. They were
both dead then, and so the same proof
aliunde of the signatures will be fol-
lowed"
Mr. Pitney scanned absently the fate
full document the judge passed over to
him.
How very interesting" he said.
But your words suggest another
thought. l understood, did l not, that
In some way Mr.. David Barr had GER
titled to the genuineness Of this will.
I see no such Endorsement"
1T was on the sealed envelope" re-
piled the judge. II left it with Miss
Emily. You can appreciate how she
must cherish her fathers dying words" "
True" the other hesitated, "and yet
there has been a hard feeling, you
know 1t occurred to me just now that
II could show to Alice such proof of
her uncle's good intentions it might
lead to reconciliation, to a proper pro-
vision for the young lady, so sudden
| ly bereft of her inheritance. There is
enough and to spare for every one, is
there not?"
More than enough" agreed the judge
heartily, "for two girls, even though
both are as lucky in the matrimonial
lottery as one of them has already
been.
II like your suggestion, Mr.. Pitney,
and like you for making it. Family
quarrels are most deplorable. Old
Enoch Barr made a great mistake In
his first will, but in striving to rec
tify it he was fully as unjust in his
second.
Let me see; can you drop in con-
veniently this afternoon? 1 will have
the envelope for you by then"
The tense look which had accentuat-
ed their narrowness faded from Mr.
Pitney's eyes. He sighed, as If from
relief. as he rose to go.
eth the heart glad" he said explain
ingly, and the judge fairly beamed as
he escorted him to the door.
Would you like me to fetch the en-
velope from Miss Emily, sir?" asked
Cronkite, as he stepped briskly from
his hiding.
by so doing you will be more cred
itably employed than you just have
been," replied the judge severely.
"On the contrary, sir, it will be
continuation of the same employment
1T is a matter of deep regret tc
me-" the judge went on, unheeding
that my former compliance in some
of your inquisitorial devices should
have exposed so worthy and upright
gentleman as Mr. Pitney to espionage
For the future, Cronkite, have care
That is just why am anxious tc
get the envelope as quickly as possi-
BILE, sir"
The judge breathed hard.
DO you dare suspect"
Listen. sir. l had better view OF
that worthy gentleman's movements
than you, as he sat somewhat to the
rear of your chair.
He placed his high hat on his knee
you may remember; most inconven-
lent way to hold it, unless he hoped tc
use 1t as a screen to some manoeuvre
His left hand, the one further from
you, he kept in his overcoat pocket
fumbling with something.
when you reached to get the Will
caught a glimpse of what that some
thing was. 1t was a long, buff envelope
with broken red seals"