The back of the drawer is a thick board, upon
which is screwed, on the lower side, a thin slat. Take out the
screws and remove the piece they secure, and the aperture will be
seen. It contains a sealed packet, the contents of which require no
explanation.
"If nothing happens after my decease, and you peaceably obtain all
your rights, burn the packet without opening it. My unjust
suspicions, then, cannot influence you, or injure the person to
whom they refer.
"This letter you will receive from Mr. Faxon, to whom I recommend
you for counsel and consolation in every trial.
"And now, my child, I must bid you farewell. I feel my end
approaching. May God forever bless and preserve you!
"Your dying father,
"EDGAR DUMONT."
Dalhousie perused and re-perused this letter, until its contents were
fixed in his mind. He had many doubts and scruples, both prudential and
conscientious, in regard to the step he was about to take: but the
chimera of fortune prompted him to risk all in the great project he had
matured.
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