Los Angeles herald., 1906-06-03

Julius was in some way connected with
the crime, although he had not thought MN
personally guilty. But the story Of Giuseppe,
and the production of the handkerchief marked
with Bervps name seemed to put the matter be-
yond doubt.
The next day while Durham was still puz1ins
over the matter julius himself made his appear
ance, as meek-loolzing and mild as ever
"I have something extremely private to say TO
you Mr. Durham" he remarked In connden-
tial way
"I am not your legal adviser" said Durham
quickly.
"You are Bernards."
"I was Bernard's, you mean
''Does that intimate that you have quarreieu
with Bernardo"
"You forget" said the solicitor, looking at MN
sharply. Bernard is supposed to be dead.
'T don't think you ever believed that' saio
Berry, smiling.
"fhat has nothing to do with you"
"Oh yes it has See here Durham, wrote
TO Miss Maeson some time ago, stating that
had seen Bernard in London later. That young
Moon wrote letter to me saying that Bernard
had come to the Bower starving and IN rags
Durham said nothing.
"You don't seem surprised" said Julius, an
noyed.
Because can hardly believe your statement.
Jerry may be making mistake"
ooh no. [ went down on the receipt OF his let
ter and insisted on seeing my cousin Miss
Plantagenet-as 1 knew she would-denied that
he was there; but afterwards when l threatened
to bring the police onto the scene, she gave way
and let me see Bernard. He told me you had
been to see him, and that in spite of the change
in his looks you knew who he was. Bernard
has been exhausted by his wandering when in
hiding, that he cannot recover His death is only
a question of days. Mind you'-Julius wagged
his finger. 'T really believe he killed Sir Simon,
but he is dying, why, shall do nothing
am not vindictive man. Besides,' added Julius,
looking sideways at the lawyer, Bernard and
] are friends now. He is sorry that we quarreled
Feeling that he is not long for this world he
wants to make his will in my favor"
Durham nearly uttered exclamation, for
all of sudden the whole rascally business be-
came clear. Julius knew that the at the
Bower was Michael, and he was prepared to ex-
tract from him forged will, in the hope that
the real Bernard was dead.
"Are you surprised then at my calng?" said
Julius, anxously.
"No," said Durham, returning to his seat '1f
Gore wishes to make WILL I suppose 1 am the
~
his Instructions"
"T have them with me" said julius bring
ing out sealed letter.
Durham, inwardly boiling at this rascality,
but outwardly calm, opened the letter, while Ju-
lius kept a sharp lookout on him. He found
long letter, written in the same style as Bern
ard Gore usually wrote, setting forth directions
for the will. These included income Of five
hundred a year to Alice Maeson, and the ex-
tra allowance of four hundred to Mrs. Groy,
making her income five hundred in ALL The rest
of the estate, real and personal, went to Julius
Beryl.
"Wel it seems clear enough" said the lawyer
laying down the letter. and he consented to draw
up the will as instructed by the letter, and agreed
to meet julius next day at Liverpool street sta
ton to go down with him to the hall.
Durham, true to his appointment arrived at
the station the next day and had the will in
his pocket. Julius read it in the train going
down and expressed his approval of it. 1t was
now Durham's cue to behave politely to julius,
and as though he truly believed in him and in
the false Bernard Gore. But on the previous
night he had written long letter to Miss Beren-
gara, which to be read to Alice. In it Dur
ham told the whole of Beryls scheme to get
possession of the property.
On arriving at the Bower the two men
met by Jerry, looking more innocent and child
like than ever. "Please missus says will you go
into the drawing-room?" said the infant casting
down his eyes.
Miss Berengaria and Alice were in the drawing
room, and both smiled a welcome when the two
men eutered Alice dared a look of terror and
repulsion at Beryl Miss Berengaria smiled and
chatted, and was bland to julius.
$50 poor Bernard is going to make his will -
she said briskly "We are we to go up stairs
and witness this wi!'
"Yesl Mr.. Beryl can't witness, as he is the
residuary legatee. Nor can Miss Alice, since
she is mentioned in the will. But you, Miss
Plantagenet, and
"And yourself?"
"No. | am the executor"
"Then Maria can witness the will. She is my
own maid and can be depended upon. Are you
coming, Julius|
''Thank you, no." said Beryl, with gentle
smile IL think as | have such large interest
in the will that it is better | should remain
away shall stay here. And you, Miss Malle-
SOM"
Il shall stop also" said Alice in reply to look
from Durham. "You go up with Mr.. Durham,
aunt"
"Come along then" said Miss Berengara, has
tening out OF the room.
The lawyer followed and Miss Berengara led
him M a narrow stair which conducted TO the
turret-room in which the false Bernard was ly-
ing At the foot of this stair she stopped. Dur
ham," she said abruptly, "do you mean to let
ths man execute this false will?"
"Yes | wish Julius Beryl to commit him
self beyond recall"
"What will you do theng"
~ can't say. One thing at time. When the
will is executed we viii watch Beryls attitude.