nd ruined in his own opinion, and in
the opinion of everybody else, had watched all the proceedings we have
narrated in silence. Ashamed of the awkward appearance he made in his
undress, and confused by the sudden change in his affairs, he was at a
loss to know which way to turn.

Henry Carroll realized the sense of embarrassment that pervaded all
parties, and was desirous of putting an end to the state of things which
promised nothing but strife and confusion. So he directed Hatchie to
fasten Maxwell's hands together, and keep him secure. This step the
attorney seemed not inclined to permit, and a struggle ensued.

"Mr. Dumont," said he, "is this by your order?"

"No," replied Jaspar, anxious to secure at least one friend. "No! I am
still in my own house, and the law will protect me."

"Certainly," returned Maxwell; "this is all a farce. There is not a
single particle of evidence to disprove the will."

"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.

Jaspar yielded the point; but Maxwell, in the hope of gaining time,
boldly proclaimed all the papers forgeries.

"It matters not; we will not stop to discuss the matter now. Tie his
hands, Hatchie," said Henry Carroll, and, with the assistance of others,
he was bound, and handed over to a consta