"I wish they had all been burnt long ago," said mine honest uncle. After
a pause he went on: "This scapegrace nephew of mine will be here
shortly. For fear of accidents--accidents, I say,--Gilbert--it were
better to have all safe. Who knows what may be lurking in the old house,
to rise up some day as a witness against us! I intend either to pull it
down or set fire to it. But we'll make sure of the will first."
"A rambling jackanapes of a nephew!" said Gilbert; "I hoped the fishes
had supped on him before now. We never thought, master, he could be
alive, as he sent no word about his being either alive or dead. But I
guess," continued this amiable servant, "he might ha' staid longer, and
you wouldn't ha' fretted for his company."
Listeners hear no good of themselves; but I determined to reward the old
villain very shortly for his good wishes.
"Gilbert, when there's work to do thou art always readier with thy
tongue than with thy fingers. Look! the match has gone out twice,--leave
off puffing and fetch the box; I'll manage about the candle."
I began to feel a strange sensation rambling about me. Gilbert left the
room, however, and I applied myself with redoubled diligence to the
crevice. My dishonest relation proceeded to revive the expiring sparks;
the light shone full upon his hard features. It might be fancy, but
guilt--broad, legible, remorseless guilt--seemed to mark every
inflection of his visage: his brow contracted,--his eye turned
cautiously and fearfully round the apartment, and more than once it
rested upon the gap I had made. I saw him strike his hand upon his
puckered brow, and a stifled groan escaped him; but as if ashamed of his
better feelings, he clenched it in an attitude of defiance, and listened
eagerly for the return of his servant. The slow footsteps of Gilbert
soon announced his approach, and apparently with some heavy burden. He
threw it on the floor, and I heard a key applied and the rusty wards
answering to the touch. The business in which they were now engaged was
out of my limited sphere of vision.
"I think, master, the damps will soon ding down the old house: look at
the wall; the paper hangs for all the world like the clerk's wig--ha,
ha! If we should burn the house down we'd rid it o' the ghosts. Would
they stand fire, think you, or be off to cooler quarters?"
"Hush, Gilbert; thou art wicked enough to bring a whole legion about us,
if any of them are within hearing. I always seemed to treat these
stories with contempt, but I never could satisfy myself about the noises
that old Gidlow and his wife heard. Thou knowest he was driven out of
the house by them. People wondered that I did not come and live here,
instead of letting it run to ruin. It's pretty generally thought that I
fear neither man nor devil; but--oh! here it is; here is the will. I
care nothing for the rest, provided this be cancelled."
"Ay, master, they said the ghost never left off scratching as long as
anybody was in the room. Which room was it, I wonder?--I never thought
on't to inquire; but--- I don't like this a bit. It runs in my head it
is the very place; and behind that wall, too, where it took up its
quarters like as it might be just a-back of the paper there. Think you,
master, the old tyke has pull'd it down wi' scratching?"
"Gilbert," said my uncle solemnly, "I don't like these jests of thine.
Save them, I prithee, for fitter subjects. The will is what we came for.
Let us dispose of that quietly, and I promise thee I'll never set foot
here again."
As he spoke he approached the candle--it was just within my view--and
opened the will that it might yield the more readily to the blaze. I
watched him evidently preparing to consume a document with which I felt
convinced my welfare and interests were intimately connected. There was
not a moment to be lost; but how to get possession was no easy
contrivance. If I sallied forth to its rescue they might murder me, or
at least prevent its falling into my hands. This plan could only prolong
its existence a few moments, and would to a certainty ensure its
eventual destruction. Gilbert's dissertation on the occupations and
amusements of the ghosts came very opportunely to my aid, and
immediately I put into execution what now appeared my only hope of its
safety. Just as a corner of the paper was entering the flame I gave a
pretty loud scratch, at the same time anxiously observing the effect it
might produce. I was overjoyed to find the enemy intimidated at least by
the first fire. Another volley, and another succeeded, until even the
sceptical Gilbert was dismayed. My uncle seemed riveted to the spot, his
hands widely disparted, so that the flame and its destined prey were now
pretty far asunder. Neither of the culprits spoke; and I hoped that
little more would be necessary to rout them fairly from the field. As
yet they did not seem disposed to move; and I was afraid of a rally,
should reason get the better of their fears.
"Rats! rats!" shouted Gilbert. "We'll singe their tails for them." The
scratching ceased. Again the paper was approaching to its dreaded
catastrophe.
"_Beware!_" I cried, in a deep and sepulchral tone, that startled even
the utterer. What effect it had produced on my auditory I was left alone
to conjecture. The candle dropped from the incendiary's grasp, and the
spoil was left a prey to the bugbear that possessed their imaginations.
With feelings of unmixed delight, I heard them clear the stairs at a few
leaps, run through the hall, and soon afterwards a terrific bellow from
Gilbert announced their descent into the avenue.
Luckily the light was not extinct, and I lost no time in taking
possession of the document, which I considered of the most importance.
A number of loose papers, the contents of a huge trunk, were scattered
about; but my attention was more particularly directed to the paper
which had been the object of my uncle's visit to the Manor-house. To my
great joy, this was neither less nor more than my father's will,
witnessed and sealed in due form, wherein the possessions of my
ancestors were conveyed, absolutely and unconditionally, without entail,
unencumbered and unembarrassed, to me and to my assigns. I thought it
most likely that the papers in and about the trunk might be of use,
either as corroborative evidence, in case my uncle should choose to
litigate the point and brand the original document as a forgery, or as a
direct testimony to the validity of my claim. I was rather puzzled in
what manner to convey them from the place, so as not to excite
suspicion, should the two worthies return. I was pretty certain they
would not leave matters as they now stood when their fears were allayed,
and daylight would probably impart sufficient courage to induce them to
repeat their visit. On finding the papers removed, the nature of this
night's ghostly admonition would immediately be guessed, and measures
taken to thwart any proceedings which it might be in my power to adopt.
To prevent discovery, I hit upon the following expedient:--I sorted out
the waste paper, a considerable quantity of which served as envelopes to
the rest, setting fire to it in such a manner that the contents of the
trunk might appear to have been destroyed by the falling of the candle.
I succeeded very much to my own satisfaction. Disturbed and agonised as
my feelings had been during the discovery, the idea of having defeated
the plan of my iniquitous relative gave a zest to my acquisitions almost
as great as if I had already taken possession of my paternal
inheritance.
Before I left the apartment, I poured out my heart in thanksgivings to
that unseen Power whose hand, I am firmly convinced, brought me thither
at so critical a moment, to frustrate the schemes and machinations of
the enemy.
Bundling up the papers, my knowledge of the vicinity enabled me to reach
a small tavern in the neighbourhood without the risk of being
recognised. Here I continued two or three days, examining the documents,
with the assistance of an honest limb of the law from W----. He
entertained considerable doubts as to the issue of a trial, feeling
convinced that a forged will would be prepared, if not already in
existence, and that my relative would not relinquish his fraudulent
claim should the law be openly appealed to. He strongly recommended that
proceedings of a different nature should be first tried, in hopes of
enclosing the villain in his own toils; and these, if successful, would
save the uncertain and expensive process of a suit. I felt unwilling to
adopt any mode of attack but that of open warfare, and urged that
possession of the real will would be sufficient to reinstate me as the
lawful heir. The man of law smiled. He inquired how I should be able to
prove that the forgery which my uncle would in all probability produce
was not the genuine testament; and as the date would inevitably be
subsequent to the one I held, it would annul any former bequest. As to
my tale about burning the will, that might or might not be treated as a
story trumped up for the occasion. I had no witnesses to prove the fact;
and though appearances were certainly in my favour, yet the case could
only be decided according to evidence. With great reluctance I consented
to take a part in the scheme he chalked out for my guidance; and, on the
third day from my arrival, I walked a few miles and returned to the
town, that it might appear as if I had only just arrived. On being set
down at my uncle's I had the satisfaction to find, as far as could be
gathered from his manner, that he had no idea of my recent sojourn in
the neighbourhood. Of course the conversation turned on the death of my
revered parents, and the way in which their property had been disposed
of.
"I can only repeat," continued he, "what I, as the only executor under
your father's will, was commissioned to inform you at his decease. The
property was heavily mortgaged before your departure; and its continued
depression in value, arising from causes that could not have been
foreseen, left the executor no other alternative but that of giving the
creditors possession. The will is here," said he, taking out a paper,
neatly folded and mounted with red tape, from a bureau. "It is
necessarily brief, and merely enumerates the names of the mortgagees and
amounts owing. I was unfortunately the principal creditor, having been a
considerable loser from my wish to preserve the property inviolate. For
the credit of the family I paid off the remaining incumbrances, and the
estate has lapsed to me as the lawful possessor."
He placed the document in my hands. I read in it a very technical
tribute of testamentary gratitude to M---- S----, Esq., styled therein
"beloved brother;" and a slight mention of my name, but no bequest, save
that of recommending me to the kindness of my relative, in case it
should please Heaven to send me once more to my native shores. I was
aware he would be on the watch; guarding, therefore, against any
expression of my feelings, I eagerly perused the deed, and with a sigh,
which he would naturally attribute to any cause but the real one, I
returned it into his hands.
"I find," said he, "from your letter received on the 23d current, that
you are not making a long stay in this neighbourhood. It is better,
perhaps, that you should not. The old house is sadly out of repair.
Three years ago next May, David Gidlow, the tenant under lease from me,
left it, and I have not yet been able to meet with another occupant
fully to my satisfaction; indeed, I have some intention of pulling down
the house and disposing of the materials."
"Pulling it down!" I exclaimed, with indignation.
"Yes; that is, it is so untenantable--so--what shall I call it?--that
nobody cares to live there."
"I hope it is not haunted?"
"Haunted!" exclaimed he, surveying me with a severe and scrutinising
glance. "What should have put that into your head?"
I was afraid I had said too much; and anxious to allay the suspicion I
saw gathering in his countenance--"Nay, uncle," I quickly rejoined; "but
you seemed so afraid of speaking out upon the matter that I thought
there must needs be a ghost at the bottom of it."
"As for that," said he, carelessly; "the foolish farmer and his wife did
hint something of the sort; but it is well known that I pay no attention
to such tales. The long and the short of it, I fancy, was, that they
were tired of their bargain, and wanted me to take it off their hands."
Here honest Gilbert entered, to say that Mr L----, the attorney, would
be glad to have a word with his master.
"Tell Mr L---- to walk in. We have no secrets here. Excuse me, nephew;
this man is one of our lawyers. He has nothing to communicate but what
you may hear, I dare say. If he should have any private business, you
can step into the next room."
The attorney entering, I was introduced as nephew to Mr S----, just
arrived from the Indies, and so forth. Standing, Mr L---- made due
obeisance.
"Sit down; sit down, Mr L----," cried my uncle. "You need not be bowing
there for a job. Poor fellow, he has not much left to grease the paws of
a lawyer. Well, sir, your errand?"
I came, Mr S----, respecting the Manor-house. Perhaps you would not have
any objections to a tenant!"
"I cannot say just now. I have had some thoughts of pulling it down."
"Sir! you would not demolish a building, the growth of centuries--a
family mansion--been in the descent since James's time. It would be
barbarous. The antiques would be about your ears."
"I care nothing for the antiquities; and, moreover, I do not choose to
let the house. Any further business with me this morning, sir?"
"Nothing of consequence--I only came about the house."
"Pray, Mr L----," said I, "what sort of a tenant have you in view;--one
you could recommend? I think my uncle has more regard for the old
mansion-house than comports with the outrage he threatens. The will
says, if I read aright, that the house and property may be sold, should
the executor see fit; but, as to pulling it down, I am sure my father
never meant anything so deplorable. Allow me another glance at that
paper."
"Please to observe, nephew, that the will makes it mine, and as such I
have a right to dispose of the whole in such manner as I may deem best.
If you have any doubts, I refer you to Mr L----, who sits smiling at
your unlawyer-like opinions."
"Pray allow me one moment," said the curious attorney. He looked at the
signature and those of the parties witnessing.
"Martha S----; your late sister, I presume?"
My uncle nodded assent.
"Gilbert Hodgon--your servant?"
"The same. To what purpose, sir, are these questions?" angrily inquired
my uncle.
"Merely matters of form--a habit we lawyers cannot easily throw aside
whenever we get a sight of musty parchments. I hope you will pardon my
freedom?"
"Oh! as for that you are welcome to ask as many questions as you think
proper; they will be easily answered, I take it."
"Doubtless," said the persevering man of words. "Whenever I take up a
deed, for instance,--it is just the habit of the thing, Mr S----,--I
always look at it as a banker looks at a note. He could not for the life
of him gather one up without first ascertaining that it was genuine."
"Genuine!" exclaimed my uncle, thrown off his guard. "You do not suspect
that I have forged it?"
"Forged it! why, how could that enter your head, Mr S----? I should as
soon suspect you of forging a bank-note or coining a guinea. Ringing a
guinea, sir, does not at all imply that the payee suspects the payer to
be an adept in that ingenious and much-abused art. We should be
prodigously surprised if the payer were to start up in a tantrum, and
say, 'Do you suspect me, sir, of having coined it?'"
"Sir, if you came hither for the purpose of insulting _me_"----
"I came upon no such business, Mr S----; but, as you seem disposed to be
captious, I _will_ make free to say, and it would be the opinion of
ninety-nine hundredths of the profession, that it might possibly have
been a little more satisfactory to the heir-apparent had the witnesses
to this, the most solemn and important act of a man's life, been any
other than, firstly, a defunct sister to the party claiming the whole
residue: and secondly, Mr Gilbert Hodgon, his servant. Nay, sir," said
the pertinacious lawyer, rising, "I do not wish to use more
circumlocution than is necessary; I have stated my suspicions, and if
you are an honest man, you can have no objections, at least, to satisfy
your nephew on the subject, who seems, to say the truth, much astonished
at our accidental parley."
"And pray who made you a ruler and a judge between us?"
"_I_ have no business with it, I own; but as you seemed rather angry, I
made bold to give an opinion on the little technicalities aforesaid. If
you choose, sir," addressing himself to me, "the matter is now at rest."
"Of course," I replied, "Mr S---- will be ready to give every
satisfaction that may be required as regards the validity of the
witnesses. I request, uncle, that you will not lose one moment in
rebutting these insinuations. For your own sake and mine, it is not
proper that your conduct should go forth to the world in the shape in
which this gentleman may think fit to represent it."
"If he dare speak one word"----
"Nay, uncle, that is not the way to stop folks' mouth now-a-days.
Nothing but the actual gag, or a line of conduct that courts no favour
and requires no concealment, will pass current with the world. I
request, sir," addressing myself to the attorney, "that you will not
leave this house until you have given Mr S---- the opportunity of
clearing himself from any blame in this transaction."
"As matters have assumed this posture," said Mr L----, "I should be
deficient in respect to the profession of which I have the honour to be
a member, did I not justify my conduct in the best manner I am able.
Have I liberty to proceed?"
"Proceed as you like, you will not prove the testament to be a forgery.
The signing and witnessing were done in my presence," said my uncle. He
rose from his chair, instinctively locked up his bureau; and, if such
stern features could assume an aspect of still greater asperity, it was
when the interrogator thus continued:--"You were, as you observe, Mr
S----, an eye-witness to the due subscription of this deed. If I am to
clear myself from the imputation of unjustifiable curiosity, I must beg
leave to examine yourself and the surviving witness apart, merely as to
the minutiæ of the circumstances under which it was finally completed:
for instance, was the late Mr---- in bed, or was he sick or well, when
the deed was executed?"
A cadaverous hue stole over the dark features of the culprit; their
aspect varying and distorted, in which fear and deadly anger painfully
strove for pre-eminence.
"And wherefore apart?" said he, with a hideous grin. He stamped suddenly
on the floor.
"If that summons be for your servant, you might have saved yourself the
trouble, sir," said his tormentor, with great coolness and intrepidity.
"Gilbert is at my office, whither I sent him on an errand, thinking he
would be best out of the way for a while. I find, however, that we shall
have need of him. It is as well, nevertheless, that he is out of the way
of signals."
"A base conspiracy!" roared the infuriated villain. "Nephew, how is
this? And in my own house,--bullied--baited! But I will be revenged--I
will."
Here he became exhausted with rage, and sat down. On Mr L---- attempting
to speak, he cried out--"I will answer no questions, and I defy you.
Gilbert may say what he likes; but he cannot contradict my words. I'll
speak none."
"These would be strange words, indeed, Mr S------, from an innocent
man. Know you that WILL?" said the lawyer, in a voice of thunder, and at
the same time exhibiting the real instrument so miraculously preserved
from destruction. I shall never forget his first look of horror and
astonishment. Had a spectre risen up, arrayed in all the terrors of the
prison-house, he could not have exhibited more appalling symptoms of
unmitigated despair. He shuddered audibly. It was the very crisis of his
agony. A portentous silence ensued. Some minutes elapsed before it was
interrupted. Mr L---- was the first to break so disagreeable a pause.
"Mr S----, it is useless to carry on this scene of duplicity: neither
party would be benefited by it. _You have forged that deed!_ We have
sufficient evidence of your attempt to destroy this document I now hold,
in the very mansion which your unhallowed hands would, but for the
direct interposition of Providence, have levelled with the dust. On one
condition, and on one only, your conduct shall be concealed from the
knowledge of your fellow-men. The eye of Providence alone has hitherto
tracked the tortuous course of your villany. On one condition, I say,
the past is for ever concealed from the eye of the world." Another
pause. My uncle groaned in the agony of his spirit. Had his heart's
blood been at stake, he could not have evinced a greater reluctance than
he now showed at the thoughts of relinquishing his ill-gotten wealth.
"What is it?"
"Destroy with your own hands that forged testimony of your guilt. Your
nephew does not wish to bring an old man's grey hairs to an ignominious
grave."
He took the deed, and, turning aside his head, committed it to the
flames. He appeared to breathe more freely when it was consumed; but the
struggle had been too severe even for his unyielding frame, iron-bound
though it seemed. As he turned trembling from the hearth, he sank into
his chair, threw his hands over his face, and groaned deeply. The next
moment he fixed his eyes steadily on me. A glassy brightness suddenly
shot over them; a dimness followed like the shadows of death. He held
out his hand; his head bowed; and he bade adieu to the world and its
interests for ever!