“Mr. Manning,” said Col.  Vincent, gravely, “I am not willing to receive undeserved credit.  Let me say, therefore, that this is a business, not a friendly, call.”

“Indeed,” said Manning, uneasily.

“The business is connected with my young friend Frank.”

“I am ready to listen,” said Mr. Manning.  “If Frank wants a larger allowance, I am ready to give it.”

“I venture to say for him that he will not be satisfied with that.  Let me come to the point at once, Mr. Manning.  Mrs. Manning’s will has been found.”

Mr. Manning started perceptibly, and his glance involuntarily wandered to that part of the wall behind which the will was discovered, for they were sitting in the very apartment where Mrs. Noonan had stumbled upon it.

“What do you mean, sir?”

“A will has been found, leaving the bulk of the property to Frank.”

“Indeed!  I am surprised.  Is it a later will than the one which bequeathed the estate to me?” asked Mr. Manning, pointedly.

“It is Mrs. Manning’s latest genuine will,” said Col.  Vincent, emphatically.

Mr. Manning started to his feet.  He could not help understanding the colonel’s meaning.  It would have been idle to pretend it.

“What do you mean, Col.  Vincent?” he asked, in a tone which he tried to make one of dignified resentment.

“I mean that Mrs. Manning made but one will, and that this bequeaths the property to Frank.”

“How, then, do you account for the later will which was admitted to probate?”

“In this way.  It was not what it purported to be.”

Mr. Manning’s sallow face flushed.

“What do you mean to insinuate?” he asked.

“That the last will was forged!” said Col.  Vincent, bluntly.

“This is a very serious charge,” said Mr. Manning, unable to repress his agitation.  “You must allow me to say that I shall pay no attention to it.  When you furnish proof of what you assert, it will be time enough to meet it.  And now, gentlemen, if you have nothing further to say, I will bid you good-morning.”

“I think you will find it best not to be in a hurry, Mr. Manning,” said Col.  Vincent.  “The charge must be met here and now.  I charge you with instigating and being cognizant of the fraud that has been perpetrated!”

“On what grounds, sir?  Do you know I can sue you for libel?”

“You are welcome to do so, Mr. Manning.  I have a witness who will clear me.”

“Who is he?”

“Jonas Barton!”

If a bombshell had exploded in the room, Mr. Manning could not have looked paler or more thoroughly dismayed.  Yet he tried to keep up a little longer.

“I don’t know any man of that name,” he answered, faintly.

“Your looks show that you do.  I may as well tell you, Mr. Manning, that resistance is useless.  We can overwhelm you with proof if we take the matter before the courts.  But we do not care to do so.  We have something to propose.”