“Before I pledge myself to execute this commission, I wish you to know that of such testamentary disposition of your estate, I should become remotely a beneficiary.  Mr. Darrington has asked my only sister to be his wife, and their marriage is contingent merely on his financial ability to maintain her comfortably.  Mine is scarcely the proper hand to pour the rich stream of your possessions into his empty coffers.”

“I am well aware of the tie that binds your sister and Mr. Darrington.”

“Since when have you known it?”

“No prison walls are sufficiently thick to turn the stream of gossip; it trickles, oozes through all barriers.  Exactly when or how I became acquainted with your family secret is not germane to the subject under consideration.”

“Cognizant of the fact that Gen’l Darrington’s adopted son was my prospective brother-in-law, you have paid me the compliment of believing that selfish, pecuniary motives incited my zeal in securing your prosecution, for the loss of the fortune I coveted?  Your heart garners that insult to me?”

The only storm signal that defied his habitual control, was the intense glow in his eyes where an electric spark rayed out through the blue depths.

“I might tell you, that my heart is a sepulchre too crowded with dead hopes to hold resentment against their slayer; but you have a right to something more.  I pay you the just tribute of grateful admiration for the unselfish heroism that prompted you to plead so eloquently in defence of a forsaken woman who, living or dead, defrauded your sister of a brilliant fortune.  You fought courageously to save me, and I am quite willing you should know that it is partly due to my recognition of your bravery in leading that forlorn hope, that I am anxious by immediate reparation to restore matters to their original status.  Life is so uncertain I can leave nothing to chance; and when my will is signed and sealed, and in your possession, I shall know that even if I should be suddenly set free, Mr. Darrington and your sister will enjoy their heritage.  When you will have drawn up the paper send it to Mr. Singleton.  I will sign it in his presence and that of the doctor, which will suffice for witnesses.”

“In view of the peculiar provisions of the will, I prefer you should employ some other instrument for its preparation.  Judge Dent, Churchill or Wolverton, will gladly serve you, and I will send to you whomsoever you select.  I decline to become the medium of transferring the accursed money that cost you so dearly, to the man whom my sister expects to marry.”

“As you will; only let there be no delay.  Ask Judge Dent to prove his friendship for Gen’l Darrington by enabling me to execute his wishes.”

“Judge Dent went this morning to New York; but by the latter part of the week you may expect the paper for signature.”

“That relieves one anxiety, for while I was so ill I was tortured by the thought that I could not make just restitution to innocent sufferers.  Mr. Dunbar, a yet graver apprehension now oppresses me.  If I should live, how can I put the rightful owners in immediate possession?  What process does the law prescribe for conveying the property directly to Mr. Darrington?”