ermission, I shall now open the box and read the will."

Jimmy, his heart pumping so furiously that he feared his neighbors must
notice it, gave a quick gesture of assent. Mrs. Marsh grew a shade paler
under her cosmetics. The cousins shuffled closer to the table. The
psychological moment had arrived.

"One moment!" cried Jimmy. Rising quickly and going to the door, he
called the butler:

"Wilson, I don't wish to be disturbed on any pretext whatever. Keep this
door shut, and don't allow any one to enter no matter who it is."

Returning to his seat, he gave the lawyer a sign to proceed.

Calmly, deliberately, Mr. Cooley inserted a key in the lock. The lid
flew open, revealing a number of papers within. The lawyer picked out a
formidable-looking folded document, yellow with age. The cousins gasped.
Instinctively every one knew that it was the will. Unfolding it slowly,
Mr. Cooley looked up to see if all were paying attention. Then, clearing
his husky throat, he began to read in impressive, ministerial style:

"IN THE NAME OF ALMIGHTY GOD, AMEN!

"I, John Marsh, of the City of Pittsburg, in the State of
Pennsylvania, being of sound health and understanding, do hereby
declare this to be _my last will and testament_:

"First. I direct the payment of my just debts.

"Second. To my cousin, Thomas Marsh of Newark, N. J., I bequeath
the sum of _Two Thousand dollars_ to belong to him and his heirs
absolutely and forever.

"Third. To my cousin, the Reverend Peter Marsh of Rahway, N. J., I
bequeath the sum of _Two Thousand dollars_ to belong to him and
his heirs absolutely and forever.

"Fourth. The remainder of my estate, of whatsoever nature, real
estate, bonds, stocks, interest in steel properties, etc., etc.,
which amounts to nearly _Five Million Dollars_, I bequeath to my
only bro----"

Crash! Bang! In the hall outside there was the sound of shattered glass
and the angry slamming of doors. Mr. Cooley stopped reading and, looking
up, glared at the others in indignant surprise. This was rank sacrilege!
He wondered if he couldn't get some one committed for contempt of court.
The cousins, not sure whether they should be satisfied or not with
Uncle John's remembrance of them, gazed at each other in consternation.
Jimmy, wrathful at this flagrant disregard of his explicit orders, rose
to investigate. Outside in the hall could be heard the voice o