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