Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1918-05-16
CHAPTER III.
The House in Baltimore.

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who WINS hastily summoned could only
confirm what nll perceived. He gave
It MS his opinion that heart disease
was the cause Of death, and stated
that there would be no need Of an
inquest.
"Was he excited just before his seiz-
ure?" he inquired Of Donald.
'Yes," answered the lieutenant. HE
was worked up about theory Of his
own"
The doctor nodded. "A very happy
DEATH" he said. "He didn't suffer. I
suppose you know where his relatives
are to be fOund?"
Donald was entirely ignorant. The
little group that had gathered about
the body, their own theories tempo
rarily laid aside, were equally In isnO-
rance. Nobody was much interested
in anyone else Mt the Inventors club.
Then Professor MncBeard stepped
forward.
II had some acquaintance with Cap
tain Mnstcrman," he said. ''In fact,
we were strong friends, although our
views were divergent upon certain
subjects. shall be happy to see to
the interment and to take charge of
any papers that my old colleague may
have left, pending the appointment Of
an official trustee"
Lieutenant. Paget was convinced
that MacBenrd was lying. Why, 1t
=, orf1lx cir or
man had denounced him in his char
acteristically unmensured terns And
Mt thut moment, apparently by coinci-
dence, but doubtless on account Of a
slight jar to the couch on which the
body had been laid, n bulky envelope
fell out Of the dead mans pocket.
MacBenrd stopped hastily and was
about to transfer it to his own when
Donald interviewed.
"Excuse me. but is that not adj
dressed to me?" he asked. my name
is Paget-Lieutenant Puget."
He was sure that he had seen his
name upon the envelope, and it o.
cured to him that this must be the
document about which Masterman had
spoken. Donald felt greatly touched
to think that Captain Masterman had
had him In his crazy mind, even be-
fore their accidental meeting, out of
all his pcquaintances.
MacBenrd had placed his hand over
the envelope, MS If to hide the adj
dress; but, seeing that 1t was impos-
sible to deny Donnlds assertion, he re-
piled:
II suppose that you are the man
you claim to be- and can prove It? A
good many persons are anxious to
profit by Captain Masterman's discov-
cries."
The insolent challenge, and the
sneering tone awakened Donald's an
ger. He grasped the professor by the
wrist which held the letter.
81 am not accustomed to having my
identity questioned" he answered
''Youll hand over that envelope, and
aftcrward ! will submit my proofs to
whoever is qualified to receive them
and you can do the same.''
MacBeard's hand opened and Don
aid took out the envelope.
'Why. my dear sir" said the pro-
fessor with an embarrassed laugh, II
really had no intention of withholding
anything that is legitimately yours. I
assure you, nor of questioning your
good faith. was n little startled
Mt the moment. Perhaps. as mutual
friends Of the late Captain Master
man. we may take care of his inter-
ests jointly"
As Donald made no reply Of any
nature, MacBeard turned to the ply
sician, and had soon completed the
arrangements for the removal of the
body. Then he went to the clerks
desk.
He held the envelope In his hand
still, and he was about to place 1t in
his pocket when his glance fell upon
sentence of the manuscript within.
Donald drew 1t forth and read:
In the event Of your hearing Of my sud.
den death YOU fnust not delay moment