Gilpin observer., 1919-07-24
CHAPTER l.
An Error Rectjfled.

Pedro, the mestizo, having lighted
the wax tapers in the massive candle
sticks, having placed bottle and glasses
upon the great mahogany table, to-
bacco and papers upon the small ma
hogany table. withdrew silently, as
was his way, swiftly, as was his train
ing.
His old master, Senor don Antonio
de la Guerra, looking as genuinely an
tique in his old-fashoned black coat,
small, high-heeled boots and curled
white hair and mustache as any ar
ticle of the antique furniture in the
vast drawing room of the hacienda,
turned his lively black eyes upon his
guest.
"You will forgive the rudeness of
an old man, Senor Dempton," he said
softly, his English perfect, his utter
ance still the honeyed speech Of Cas-
tile, "but may I ask you to understand
|. that 1 know nothing Of what you
Americanos call business? And that
have no wish to learn? That is why
place these matters in the hands Of
an attorney" He bowed after the way
Of the old school. and ended, smiling,
''in the hands of a thoroughly compe-
tent attorney, senor."
Dempton. little man with rest
less, nervous manner and eyes like a
rats, shifted In his chair cleared his
throat and thanked his patron, looking
pleased on the whole.
This is very important matter,
Mr.. de la Guerra" he offered, trifle
hesitantly and with keen eyes upon
his host.
ITO be sure" the old man cut in
impatiently, though with no lessening
of the courtesy of his speech. "A will
is always important"
He leaned forward, poured himself
a glass of the red southern wine, lift
ed it so that the still candle flames
shone in 1t brightly, and drank slowly.
Already DemptOn had been asked to
drink, as he was always asked when
he came to the Rancho de la Guerra !;
already he had refused, as he always
refused.
The old man set down his glass and
took tobacco and fine white paper from
the tray upon the smaller table. his
steady, slim white hands making the
cigarette swiftly.
You say, Senior Dempton," he said
when he had lighted n paper lighter
at the nearest candlestick, "that you
have found flaw in the original
willT
Yes, SIR" Dempton spoke hurried
ly and ran on very much after the
manner Of schoolboy who has gotten
his lesson by heart and wants to "say"
1t before he forgets
only a small matter, technical
error, which might never be noticed.
And yet there is risk-there is dam
ger that the will might eventually be
set aside; because of 1t that your de-
sres might come to naught in word,
that the Senorita Teresa, whom you
wish to make your sole legatee, might
never come into the fortune you have
willed to her. I have thought 1t best,
sir, to draw up new document"
You have done so?" inquired the
old Spaniard. his eyes musingly upon
the thin wisp of smoke from the ciga-
rette.
YES" Dempton slipped red
hand into his breast pocket. "If you
will read 1t and sign 1t. sir-if we can
get the matter settled right away. de-
strOying the original documents"
"The details, Senor Dempton,
trust I may leave with you" De Ia
Guerra waved white hand gracefully.
You have attended to my business for
me for seventeen years now. and I
have never found cause for criticism"
You do not even care to have me
go into detail concerning the flaw
which allowed to creep in7"
Dempton had leaned forward little
in his chair. his eager eyes upon the
others. De Ia Guerra laughed softly
and shook mis- head.
"You would force me to appear stu
pid." He put his hand upon the bell
cord hanging from the edge Of the
big table and bell tinkled from be-
y0nd the door. LET me have the pa
pcs, You wish me to sign"
Pedro Brought pen ana iaA. retreat