Can't say, I'm sure."

"How much is due?" asked Tremlett.

"Three hundred dollars," said Brief.

"Look here, young fellow," said Tremett, "Perhaps you and I can
settle it. If you will pay me two hundred dollars cash down I will
give you a receipt for the whole."

"Mr. Tremlett," said Mr. Brief stiffly, "you appear to forget that I am
settling this estate. You have no authority to make such an offer."

"Wasn't the property left to me, I should like to know?" demanded
Tremlett, blustering.

"Yes."

"Then why am I not authorized to make the offer, tell me that?"

"According to Mr. Baldwin's will you can only receive the income for
the first twelve months."

"That's deuced hard on a fellow," said Tremlett.

"On the other hand, I think it is a prudent precaution."

"The old man was a tight-fisted old curmudgeon. He only wanted to
annoy me."

The lawyer shrugged his shoulders, and Ben broke out indignantly,
"I wouldn't speak in that way of a man who had left me all his
fortune."

"Mind your own business, boy," retorted John Tremlett sharply. "Do
you think I am going to stand your impudence?"

"I think it is just as well you have waited till after Uncle Matthew's
death before speaking of him in that way."

"Don't let up on the boy! Make him pay every cent of the debt,
Brief!" exclaimed John Tremlett angrily.

"Of course we shall follow up the matter, Mr. Tremlett."

"Have him arrested if he doesn't pay, Brief."

Ben smiled.

"You seem to forget, Mr. Tremlett, that I am not your debtor. The
claim is against my aunt."

"Is that so, Brief?"

"The boy is right."

"I am sorry for it. I should like to hold him responsible."

"No doubt, Mr. Tremlett," said Ben; "but we can't always have our
wishes granted."

"Leave the matter in my hands," said the lawyer. "I will do what is
best."

"By the way, Brief," said John Tremlett, "I mustn't forget my errand.
I want some money."

"Some money? I gave you two hundred dollars last week."

"Well, it's gone, and I want some more."

"Mr. Tremlett," said the lawyer gravely, "are you aware how much
money you have spent during the last four weeks?"

"No, I have kept no account."

"Well I have. You have drawn eight hundred dollars."

"It costs something to see life."

"Perhaps so! but I cannot permit you to exceed your
income--during the first year, at least. Thus far you have spent
twice as much as you were entitled to draw."

Ben listened at