"
"Well, now, I reckon there is a leetle grain," said Uncle Nathan,
stepping forward and producing the will, which had been intrusted to him
on board the Chalmetta. "This will set matters about right, I rayther
guess."
"What mean you, fellow?" said Jaspar. "What is it?"
"The genuine will," replied Hatchie, still holding Maxwell. "I gave it
into his hands. To explain how I came by it, I need only call your
attention to a certain night, when I surprised you and this honorable
gentleman in this very apartment."
"It is all over!" groaned Jaspar.
"This is a forgery!" exclaimed Maxwell.
"Ay, a forgery!" repeated Jaspar, catching the attorney's idea. "Who can
prove that this is a correct will, and the other false?"
"I can," said Dalhousie. "Here is a duplicate copy, with letters
explaining the reason for making it, in the testator's own
hand-writing."
Dalhousie candidly stated the means by which he had obtained possession
of the papers, and trusted his indiscretion would be overlooked. Dr.
Vaudelier frowned, as his son-in-law related the unworthy part he had
performed, and perhaps felt a consciousness of the good intentions which
had years before induced him to refuse his consent to the marriage of
his daughter.
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