sadly inadequate to his present needs, I fear."

"That is most unfortunate," said I, "but--"

"His debts," said Mr. Grainger, busy at his spectacles again,
"his debts are very heavy, I believe."

"Then doubtless some arrangement can be made to--but continue your
reading, I beg," said I.

Mr. Grainger repeated his short, dry cough and taking up the will,
slowly and almost as though unwillingly, cleared his throat and
began as follows:

"'Furthermore, to my nephew, Peter Vibart, cousin to the above, I
will and bequeath my blessing and the sum of ten guineas in cash,
wherewith to purchase a copy of Zeno or any other of the stoic
philosophers he may prefer.'"

Again Mr. Grainger laid down the will, and again he regarded me
over the rim of his spectacles.

"Good God!" cried Sir Richard, leaping to his feet, "the man must
have been mad. Ten guineas--why, it's an insult--damme!--it's an
insult--you'll never take it of course, Peter."

"On the contrary, sir," said I.

"But--ten guineas!" bellowed the baronet; "on my soul now, George
was a cold-blooded fish, but I didn't think even he was capable