"We have every reason," said Mrs. Montgomery, in response to this,
"to be satisfied with the manner in which you have executed an
important mission. Since you left America, however, a document has
come into my hands, which, had it reached me earlier, would have
saved you a long and tedious search among mouldy and moth-eaten
papers. It was nothing less than Captain Allen's will."
And she gave him the paper. He looked surprised, and for a moment or
two bewildered. Then opening the will, he read it through rapidly. I
saw the color leave his face as he progressed, and his hand move
nervously. It was plain that his mind took in, at a grasp, the
entire series of consequences which the appearance of this document
involved.
"This is a serious matter," he said, looking up at Mrs. Montgomery.
"It is," she answered, calmly. "The will appears to be in legal
form."
"Yes."
"And must go into the hands of those who are named as executors."
"And be by them entered in the office of probate," added
Wallingford.
"I would have placed it in their hands immediately on its discovery,
but have, acting under advice from my kind friend here, waited until
your return from England.
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