Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1908-12-31

| oSAASAsOA' " uIOp III.
"Oh, You are good. You seem to
have thought Of everything" and she
looked gratefully up into his eyes.
Its best to be on the safe side,"
he said, with a smile, and then
1 the door was thrown open and Mr..
Bice and the local clockmaker en-
| tered.
Lobb examined the box with great
interest and curiosity, while the 9TH
ers stood back and silently watched
him. The box had neither hinge nor
lock, and the top fitted on SO closely
that the whole thing looked as if it
might have been nodded in one
piece. @
After considerable rubbing, Lobb
discovered the thin line where box
and cover joined, but to separate the
one 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 may have to deface
the box a little, miss he said, look
ing up alphabetically. IT never saw
SO good fit before
Never mind what you do, so long
as you get it open,' Marion answered,
with 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.
IT was very slow business, and Glenn
ent and Mr. Jackson went to his as
sistance. Marion suggested fetching
hammer from the coal shed, while
the lawyer fancied good file would
answer the purpose better, but pa
tlence and perseverance were reward
ed III the long run. Inside, the box
was just as bright as when it came
from the makers. Not single drop
of moisture had penetrated it, and the
papers with which it was filled looked
perfectly fresh and clean.
Marion rushed forward with a little
cry, and began lifting the documents
one 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. i 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-"
Yes, please do" she interrupted.
Look at these certificates-birt
deaths marriage, and 1 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 shaver
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 to Mr.. Bice's
practiced eye revealed at a glance
what they we're, and did not need
just then any detailed examination.
Deeds. indentures, scrip were glanced
put aside; but amdavits 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. 81
Yes Z" Marion questioned and she
fixed her eyes seagerl u on his face. !.
The property involved Is clearly
very considerable. he went OH, but
there is something much more inter-
esting.' s.s;S sss III i 81 ,Esss
Yes Please go on s}S.s
erhaps yotis would prefer that /
explained An private, he said. asslittle
hesitatingiy. s 4. BY
No; don't think unless I'M
less " and she blushed uncomforta.
bly,. 9ss.3 NJ
There Is nothing you need be
ashamed Of. 3 he said. with smile,
nothing at all-on the contrary.
oh, then, please put an end to the
susp You are all my friends. i.
am sure. Fs
Mr. Bice adjusted his glasses again
and cleared his throat. a5's'1
IT would appear from these docu.
ments,s he said. slowly, and they
seem tos be all In perfect order; that
your name Is not West but Grovely u. =
Not West" she exclaimed.
our claim may hes disputed, Of
course But. as set forth in these in.
lsstrume you are the only child .of
Lord Edward Grovely, second son Of
| the late Marques OF Fowey.,,,
~ Frs Aiswgan gave a gasp that was
almost cry and dropped suddenly
Into the nearest chair. 81 = - =
sOh, I'm sos gia d /. Esther; ex6laa iheS1