y solemn nature."

All the Jesuits in the world do not get their educations at Rome, or
acknowledge Ignatius Loyola as the great founder of their order. Some are
to be found who have never made a public profession of their faith and
zeal, have naver assumed the tonsure, or taken the vows.

"That's as folks think," quietly returned Mr. Job Pratt, though he smiled
in a manner so significant as to cause Mrs. Martin a new qualm, as she
grew more and more apprehensive that the property was, after all, to go by
the distribution law. "Some folks think a promise ought to be expressed,
while others think it may be understood. The law, I believe, commonly
looks for the direct expression of any binding promise; and, in matters of
this sort, one made in writing, too, and that under a seal, and before
three responsible witnesses."

"I wish a full inquiry might be made, to ascertain if there be no will;"
put in the minister, anxiously.

"I'm quite willing so to do," returned Mr. Job, whose confidence and moral
courage increased each instant. "Quite willing; and am rather anxious for
it, if I could only see where to go to inquire."

"Does no one present know of any will made by the deceased?" demanded
Minister Whittle, authoritatively.

A dead silence succeeded to the question. Eye met eye, and there was great
disappointment among the numerous collaterals present, including all those
who did not come in as next of kin, or as their direct representatives.
But the Rev. Mr. Whittle had been too long and too keenly on the scent of
a legacy, to be thrown out of the hunt, just as he believed the game was
coming in sight.

"It might be well to question each near relative directly," he added. "Mr.
Job Pratt, do _you_ know nothing of any will?"

"Nothing whatever. At one time I did think the deacon meant to make his
testament; but I conclude that he must have changed his mind."

"And you, Mrs. Thomas," turning to the sister--"as next of kin, I make the
same inquiry of you!"

"I once talked with brother about it," answered this relative, who was
working away in a rocking-chair as if she thought the earth might stop in
its orbit, if she herself ceased to keep in motion; "but he gave me no
satisfactory answer--that is, nothin' that I call satisfactory. Had he
told me he _had_ made a will, and given me a full shear (share), I should
have been content; or, had he told me that he had _not_ made a will, and
that the law would give me a ful