Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-09-05
'CHAPTER XI
"N1V DON'T know what you IM mean," said Beecot.

sHsS self to make a concise statement of the case. "So far as understand" he said in his nervous irritable way, these ladies claim tc be the wife and daughter of Lemuel Krill, whom we knew as Aaron Nor man."
 And l think by his real name also, said the elder woman in her deep, smooth contralto voice and with the display of an admirable set of teeth.
 Norman was not your husband madam" cried Paul indignantly.
 T agree with you, sir. Lemuel Krill was my husband. saw in the news papers, which penetrate even into the quiet little Hants village I live in, that Aaron Norman had been murdered. I never thought he was the man who had left me more than twenty years ago with an only child to bring up. But the bills offering the reward as- sured me that Norman and Krill are one and the same man. Therefore" |" she drew herself up and looked pierc- ingly at the young man. T have come to see after the property. understand from the papers that my daughter Is an heiress to millions"
 Not millions" said Fash hastily. ''The newspapers have exaggerated the amount. Five thousand year. madam, and it is left to Sylvia"
 "Who is Sylvia2" asked Mrs. Krill in the words of Shakespeare's song.
 "She is the daughter of MT. Nor man." said Paul quickly, land is en- gagged to marry me-"
 Mrs. Krills eyes travelled over his shabby suit from head to foot and then back again from foot to head. She glanced sideways at her compap- ion, and the girl laughed ir a hard, contemptuous manner. T fear you will be disappointed in losing a rich wife, sir" said the elder woman sweetly.
 T have not lost the money yet" re- piled Paul hotly. Not that I care for the money, but I do care for Syl- via Norman
 With whom have nothing to do."
 "She Is your husbands daughter"
 But not mine. This Is my daughter, Maud-the legal daughter of Lemuel and myself" she added meaningly.
 Good heavens, madamr' cried Bee cot, his face turning white. What do you mean?"
 Paul sat down and concealed his face with a groan. He was thinking not so much of the loss of the money, all though thnt was a consideration. as of the shame Sylvia would feel at her po- sition. Then a gleam of hope darted into his mind. "Mr. Norman was mar ried to Sylvia's mother under his own name. You can't prove the marriage void"
 T have no wish to. When did this marriage take placer
 Beecot looked at the lawyer, who replied, "Twenty-two years ago." and he gave the date.
 Mrs. Krill fished in a black morocco bag she carried and brought out a shabby blue envelope. T thought this might be needed" she said, passing it to Fash. You will find there my mar riage certificate. I became the wife of Lemuel Krill thirty years ago. And, as I am still living, fear the later marriage"- She smiled blandly and shrugged her shoulders.
 Throwing back his head, Paul re- torted, You forget, madam, there is q will"
 Mrs. Krills fresh color turned to a dull white and her hard eyes shot fire. "A will" she said slowly. T shall dis pute the will if 1t Is not in my favor. I am the widow of this man ard I claim full justice. Besides" she went on, wetting her full lips with her tongue, T understood from the news papers that the money was left to Mir. Krill's daughter"
 Paul rose and flung back his head again. You have not got the money yet, madam" he said defantly.
 Not at all disturbed, Mrs. Krill smiled her eternal smile. T am here to get 1t. There is a will, you say" she added. turning to Fash. And I understand from this gentleman" she indicated Beecot slightly. that the money is left to Mir. KrilIs daughter. Does he name Maud or sylvia7"
 Fash slapped down the certificate ir- ritably. He names no one. The will is nasty document. badly worded, and simply leaves all the testator died possessed of tony daughter"
 Which of course means Maud here. I congratulate you. dear.S she said, turning to the girl. who looked happy and flushed Your father has made up to us both for his cruelty and de- sertion"
 Seeing that there was nothing to be said, Paul went to the door. But there his common sense left him and be made a valedictory speech. T know that Mfr. Krill left the money 10 Syl- via.s
 -Oh. no" said the widow. ito his daughter. as I understand the wording of the will runs. Tn that case this girl has nothing
 ~PsshE' cried Beecot. turning dc spairingly to the little solicitor.
 The old man shook his head and sucked h bis cheeks T am sorry. Mir. Beecot.- said be in a plying tone. but as the win stands the money must certainly go to the chfId born in we'd Iock- I have the certifeate here" he laid his monkey paw oa l. but of course I shaII make i1quiries-
 sBy au mesrs.- said Mfrs. KriIl gTa- rs.r-<f~ sNr daurhfer and -vzeif