e insterment. Let the boat go right eend
foremost, squire."

"Read the will, Captain Gar'ner, if you have it," said Mr. Job Pratt, with
decision. "It is proper that we should know who is executor. Friends, will
you be silent for a moment?"

Amid a death-like stillness, Roswell Gardiner now read as follows:--

"In the name of God, amen. I, Ichabod Pratt, of the town of Southold, and
county of Suffolk, and state of New York, being of failing bodily health,
but of sound mind, do make and declare this to be my last will and
testament.

"I bequeath to my niece, Mary Pratt, only child of my late brother, Israel
Pratt, all my real estate, whatsoever it may be, and wheresoever situate,
to be held by her, her heirs and assigns, for ever, in fee.

"I bequeath to my brother, Job Pratt, any horse of which I shall die
possessed, to be chosen by himself, as a compensation for the injury
inflicted on a horse of his, while in my use.

"I bequeath to my sister, Jane Thomas, the large looking-glass that is
hanging up in the east bed-room of my house, and which was once the
property of our beloved mother.

"I bequeath to the widow Catherine Martin, my cousin, the big pin-cushion
in the said east chamber, which she used so much to praise and admire.

"I bequeath to my said niece, Mary Pratt, the only child of my late
brother, Israel Pratt, aforesaid, all of my personal estate, whether in
possession or existing in equity, including money at use, vessels, stock
on farm, all other sorts of stock, furniture, wearing apparel, book-debts,
money in hand, and all sorts of personal property whatever.

"I nominate and appoint Roswell Gardiner, now absent on a sealing voyage,
in my employment, as the sole executor of this my last will, provided he
return home within six months of my decease; and should he not return home
within the said six months, then I appoint my above-mentioned niece and
heiress, Mary Pratt, the sole executrix of this my will.

"I earnestly advise my said niece, Mary Pratt, to marry the said Roswell
Gardiner; but I annex no conditions whatever to this advice, wishing to
leave my adopted daughter free to do as she may think best."

The instrument was, in all respects, duly executed, and there could not be
a doubt of its entire validity. Mary felt a little bewildered, as well as
greatly embarrassed. So perfectly disinterested had been all her care of
her uncle, and so humble her wishes, that she did not for some time reg