The Argosy — page 31: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

18 Winifred Power. done? Was she to be left penniless? Springing up, she hastily collected pens, ink, and paper. ‘ Dictate!” she exclaimed. “ I can write and you can sign it.” Once again succeeded a moment of that terrifying silence, during which, breathless, she leant forward and peered into his face. But it was the slow gathering together of his enfeebled faculties that made the pause ; for suddenly he roused himself and in clear tones, with a steadfast look began to dictate. “February roth, 184—. Besides the minor legacies mentioned in my latest will, 1 leave to my daughter Mary, and to my son William, £30,000 each for their own exclusive use and benefit. The remainder of my real and persona} estate I leave inthe manner already set forth.” His voice ceased. Mary looked up. Before she could speak, he stretched out his hand towards the pen. ‘Call Jacobs and Gregory as witnesses. Be quick, child. I think the sands are slipping fast.” She flew to the bell, and its summons not being answered rapidly enough for her impatience, sped down the staircase calling ‘‘ Jacobs ! Jacobs !” at the top of her voice. “Quick!” she cried, when half-a-dozen startled servants came running. ‘Jacobs, come! Somebody call Gregory. Your master wants two witnesses to his signature to a will.” “A will? At the eleventh hour, as you may say, poor gentleman— what a freak!” commented Mrs. Hoare, the housekeeper, while she despatched an underling for Gregory, the gardener, and Jacobs followed his excited young mistress upstairs. Mary, of course, was the first to gain the room, and then Jacobs heard her give a shrill cry of astonishment and dismay. On putting in his questioning countenance, Jacobs found Mr. Hatherley in his usual attitude by the fire, Mary standing speechless in the middle of the floor, and upon the hearth-rug, quietly warming himself, im- perturbably irreproachable, was——-John! The two servants, who had now come, could not take in the full meaning of the scene, for they felt that there was some mystery, and remained staring, silent and puzzled. ‘What is the matter?” inquired John affably. Jacobs looked at Gregory, and Gregory at him; after which, both directed glances at their young mistress. But she seemed dumb- founded, and vouchsafed not a word. ‘Miss Mary said, sir, that we were wanted to witness a will,” replied Jacobs respectfully. ‘A will?” repeated John sharply. ‘‘ What will? My father’s? I think you are all mad.” Then Mary, beside herself, burst out. “I tell you the codicil was there ... . . onthat table .. . . &@ COG@IGH Gestroying your frauds. You have taken it. Give it back,” COMIC OOOKS,. Conn