astian's peculiar chirography." From an inner locked drawer of his
escritoire he took a small metal box, and from a number of papers
contained therein he selected a letter which he examined closely.

"No use to try imitation, when the original document will serve my
purpose as well or better," he finally concluded. "The initials fit
perfectly; and, thanks to Sebastian's cunning and to our cipher code,
this letter is so obscurely worded that Gilcrest can gain from it no
knowledge of our plans. But I'll have to wait some time yet in order to
tell him a plausible tale. In the meanwhile, it would be well to try my
skill at counterfeiting Dudley's writing. His precise, schoolmasterly
hand would surely be easier to imitate than Sebastian's queer, crabbed
characters, and there's no telling how or when my skill may be of use
to me. But how to get more material to work upon? This short note to
Sebastian isn't enough. Couldn't I get Dudley to copy some law papers
for me?" He rose and paced the floor in deep thought. Finally he
succeeded in elaborating a plan which would suit his purpose.

CHAPTER XVIII.

DRANE PRACTICES PENMANSHIP

One morning in October, Drane, who at this time seemed to have business
demanding his frequent presence at Cane Ridge, passed by the Rogers'
homestead just as Abner was coming from the house. The two conversed
for a time at the stile, then Drane, as he was preparing to ride on,
asked, "Any commissions I can execute for you in town, Dudley?"

"No," Abner replied, "I believe not; I was in Lexington myself
Thursday. But stay," he added, "you may post a letter, if you will be
so kind. Wait a minute," and he ran to the house and soon returned with
a letter which he handed Drane.

This missive, which the lawyer opened as soon as he was in the privacy
of his room, was addressed to Chas. M. Brady, Williamsburg, Virginia,
and read as follows:

CANE RIDGE, Oct. the 5, 1802.

Honored Sir;--I was in Lexington again on Thursday; saw Morrison,
and del'v'd y'r enclosure containing recommendations, etc. But just now,
owing to the absence of two of the trustees, John Meeks and Israel
Power, I can accomplish nothing. Judge Barr favors y'r appointment,
but he is so handicapped that he can do very little. I learn from
a trustworthy informant that Ezra Spaiter, of Milledgeville, is
also an applicant for this professorship. Therefore, it would not
be advisable to o