y
accompanied it. Now, sir, I am clearly that executor, and as such I
demand leave to exercise my functions in this house, as its temporary
master at least."

"Not so fast--not so fast, young sir. Wills must be proved and executors
qualified, before either has any validity. Then, again, Sir Wycherly
could only give authority over that which was his own. The instant he
ceased to breathe, his brother Gregory's grandson became the life-tenant
of this estate, the house included; and I advise him to assert that
right, trusting to the validity of his claim, for his justification in
law, should it become necessary. In these matters he who is right is
safe; while he who is wrong must take the consequences of his own acts.
Mr. Furlong, your steward-ship ceased with the life of your principal;
if you have any keys or papers to deliver, I advise your placing them in
the hands of this gentleman, whom, beyond all cavil, I take to be the
rightful Sir Wycherly Wychecombe."

Furlong was a cautious, clear-headed, honest man, and with every desire
to see Tom defeated, he was tenacious of doing his duty. He led Sir
Reginald aside, therefore, and examined him, at some length, touching
the nature of the proofs that had been offered; until, quite satisfied
that there could be no mistake, he declared his willingness to comply
with the request.

"Certainly, I hold the keys of the late Sir Wycherly's papers,--those
that have just been seen in the search for the will," he said, "and have
every wish to place them in the hands of their proper owner. Here they
are, Sir Wycherly; though I would advise you to remove the bags of gold
that are in the secretary, to some other place; as _those_ your uncle
had a right to bequeath to whom he saw fit. Every thing else in the
secretary goes with the estate; as do the plate, furniture, and other
heir-looms of the Hall."

"I thank you, Mr. Furlong, and I will first use these keys to follow
your advice," answered the new baronet; "then I will return them to you
with a request that you will still retain the charge of all your former
duties."

This was no sooner said than done; Wycherly placing the bags of gold on
the floor, until some other place of security could be provided.

"All that I legally can, Sir Wycherly, will I cheerfully do, in order to
aid you in the assertion of your right; though I do not see how I can
transfer more than I hold. _Qui facit per alium, facit per se_, is good
law, Sir Regina