"Yes. You see that a part of your information has been forestalled."
"He was a fool, then, and still more a fool to refuse my last demand for money. I accept your offer of a thousand dollars, and will tell all."
"Go on."
"I wrote the will which Mr. Manning presented for probate. It was copied in part from the genuine will."
"Good! And you betray him because he will not pay what you consider the service worth?"
"Yes, sir."
Jonas Barton here gave a full account of Mr. Manning, whom he had formerly known in New York, seeking him out and proposing to him a job for which he was willing to pay five hundred dollars. Barton was not scrupulous, and readily agreed to do the work. He was skillful with the pen, and did his work so well that all were deceived.
"You will be willing to swear to this in court?"
"Yes, sir, if you will guarantee the sum you proposed."
"I will. I shall wish you to find a boarding place in the village, and remain here for the present, so as to be ready when needed. I will be responsible for your board."
As Jonas Barton was leaving the house, one of the servants came in with important news, in which Frank was strongly interested.
CHAPTER XLI
CONCLUSION
The news was that Mr. Manning and Mark had just arrived at the Cedars.
They had come by the last evening train. Why they had come back so unexpectedly no one knew, but the servant had heard that Mark was in poor health. This was true.
Mark, in Europe, had proved uncontrollable. He had given way to his natural love of drink, had kept late hours, and had seriously injured his const.i.tution. In consequence of these excesses, he had contracted a fever, which alarmed him father and induced him to take the first steamer home.
"We won"t call upon your stepfather this evening, Frank," said Col.
Vincent; "but early Monday morning we will bring matters to a crisis."
Mr. Manning did not hear of Frank"s presence in the village. He was fatigued with his rapid travel and kept at home. Besides, Mark was prostrated by his journey and didn"t wish to be left alone.
It was, therefore, a surprise to Mr. Manning when on Monday morning, Col. Vincent was ushered into his presence, accompanied by Frank.
"Really, colonel," he said, recovering his composure, "you are very kind to call so soon. I hope you are well, Frank? Are you staying with the colonel? You must come back to your old home."
"Thank you, Mr. Manning, but I am living in New York. I am only pa.s.sing a day or two with the colonel."
"It is very friendly in you to call, Col. Vincent."
"Mr. Manning," said Col. Vincent, gravely, "I am not willing to receive undeserved credit. Let me say, therefore, that this is a business, not a friendly, call."
"Indeed," said Manning, uneasily.
"The business is connected with my young friend Frank."
"I am ready to listen," said Mr. Manning. "If Frank wants a larger allowance, I am ready to give it."
"I venture to say for him that he will not be satisfied with that. Let me come to the point at once, Mr. Manning. Mrs. Manning"s will has been found."
Mr. Manning started perceptibly, and his glance involuntarily wandered to that part of the wall behind which the will was discovered, for they were sitting in the very apartment where Mrs. Noonan had stumbled upon it.
"What do you mean, sir?"
"A will has been found, leaving the bulk of the property to Frank."
"Indeed! I am surprised. Is it a later will than the one which bequeathed the estate to me?" asked Mr. Manning, pointedly.
"It is Mrs. Manning"s latest genuine will," said Col. Vincent, emphatically.
Mr. Manning started to his feet. He could not help understanding the colonel"s meaning. It would have been idle to pretend it.
"What do you mean, Col. Vincent?" he asked, in a tone which he tried to make one of dignified resentment.
"I mean that Mrs. Manning made but one will, and that this bequeaths the property to Frank."
"How, then, do you account for the later will which was admitted to probate?"
"In this way. It was not what it purported to be."
Mr. Manning"s sallow face flushed.
"What do you mean to insinuate?" he asked.
"That the last will was forged!" said Col. Vincent, bluntly.
"This is a very serious charge," said Mr. Manning, unable to repress his agitation. "You must allow me to say that I shall pay no attention to it. When you furnish proof of what you a.s.sert, it will be time enough to meet it. And now, gentlemen, if you have nothing further to say, I will bid you good-morning."
"I think you will find it best not to be in a hurry, Mr. Manning," said Col. Vincent. "The charge must be met here and now. I charge you with instigating and being cognizant of the fraud that has been perpetrated!"
"On what grounds, sir? Do you know I can sue you for libel?"
"You are welcome to do so, Mr. Manning. I have a witness who will clear me."
"Who is he?"
"Jonas Barton!"
If a bombsh.e.l.l had exploded in the room, Mr. Manning could not have looked paler or more thoroughly dismayed. Yet he tried to keep up a little longer.
"I don"t know any man of that name," he answered, faintly.