The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1908-12-31


"Oh, you are good. You seem t
have thought of everything" and sh'
looked gratefully up into his eyes.
IT'S best to be on the safe side
he said, with a smile, and theI
the door was thrown open and Mr.
Bice and the local clockmaker en-
tered.
Lobb examined the box with grea'
interest and curiosity, while the 9th
ers stood back and silently watched
him. The box had neither hinge mol
lock, and the top fitted on sc closely
that the whole thing looked as If II
might have been nodded in one
piece.
After considerable rubbing, Lobb
discovered the thin line where box
and cover joined, but to separate the
n from the other appeared to defy
all his strength and ingenuity. He
tugged and pulled and ~perspired, but
all to no purpose. Had the cover been
soldered on, 1t could scarcely have
offered more resistance.
I'm afraid I may have to deface
the box a little, MISS" he said, look
Ing up apologetically. Il never saw
so good a fit before"
Never mind what you do, so long
as you get 1t open," Marion answered,
with a laugh; and then silence fell
again.
Lobb fetched out of his bag a small
wooden mallet and several fine and
exceedingly thin chisels. He began at
first tapping the cover all round the
line of junction, then he endeavored
to insert the chisels and pry up the
lid.
1t was very slow business, and Glenn.
ent and Mr.. Jackson went to his as
sistance. Marion suggested fetching
a hammer from the coal shed, while
answer the purpose better, but pa
thence and perseverance were reward
ed in the long run. Inside, the box
was just as bright a. when 1t came
from the makers. Not a single drop
of moisture had penetrated it, and the
papers with which 1t was filled looked
perfectly fresh and clean.
Marion rushed forward with a little
cry, and began lifting the documents
n after another and glancing at
them. She had no time to read them
through, so anxious was she to get
some general idea of the contents.
Her face fell at length. and she
gave a little exclamation of impa-
thence. Il expected as much" she
said; there is nothing here that |
can understand, or that seems of the
least value"
Perhaps | can assist you" Mr.. Bice
said, stepping forward. "If you will
allow me"
Eyes, please do" she interrupted.
Look at these certificates-births-
deaths-marriage, and | don't even
know the Names"
Mr.. Bice adjusted his pince-nez and
sat down. In a moment or two his
pale eyes caught an interested, even
startled expression, and now and then
his hand shook as he lifted a fresh
document. His thin, clean-shaven
face. however, betrayed scarcely any
sign of emotion.
The others stood round silent and
watchful. The small element of mys-
terry seemed to hold them spellbound.
Some of the documents t. MI. Bice's
practiced eye revealed at a glance
what they were, and did not need
just then any detailed examination.
Deeds. indentures, scrip were glanced
at and put aside; but afidavits and
testamentary documents needed more
careful scrutiny.
Mr.. Bice raised his head at length,
then took of his glasses and carefully
wiped them.
There is more In these documents
than appears at first sight," he said.
quietly.
"Yes?" Marion questioned. and she
fixed her eyes eagerly on his face.
"The property involved Is clearly
very considerable" he went on. but
there is something much more inter-
esting."
Yes? Please 60 on"
Perhaps you would prefer that I
explained in private" he said. a little
hesitatingly.
mo; 1 don't think-unless--un-
less" and sho blushed uncomforta-
bly,.
There is nothing you need be
ashamed Of" he said, with a smile,
nothing at aIl-on the contrary"
"Oh, then, please put an end to the
suspense. You are all my friends. /
am sure"
Mr. Bice adjusted his glasses again
and cleared his throat.
at would appear from these docu.
ments." he said. slowly. land they
seem to be all In perfect order, that
your name is not West. but Grovely."
mot West?" she exclaimed.
"Your claim may be disputed, of
course. But, as set forth in these in
struments, you are the only child Of
Lord Edward Grovely. second son Of
the late MARQUES of Fowey."
Mrs. Mawgan gave a gasp that was
almost a cry and dropped suddenly
into the nearest. chair.
"Oh, I'm SO glad" Esther exclaimed.
and rushed up to Marion and kissed
her.
Mr.. Jackson muttered something