would it be worth?"

"I supposed it was for sale," said the colonel, quietly. "What is your
own idea?"

"I will take two thousand dollars."

"Suppose we say one thousand?"

"It is not enough."

"Were you aware that the genuine will had been found?" asked the
colonel, quietly.

Jonas Barton started.

"I thought Mr. Manning destroyed it," he said, hastily.

"No; he concealed it."

"Is this true?"

"Yes. You see that a part of your information has been forestalled."

"He was a fool, then, and still more a fool to refuse my last demand for
money. I accept your offer of a thousand dollars, and will tell all."

"Go on."

"I wrote the will which Mr. Manning presented for probate. It was copied
in part from the genuine will."

"Good! And you betray him because he will not pay what you consider the
service worth?"

"Yes, sir."

Jonas Barton here gave a full account of Mr. Manning, whom he had
formerly known in New York, seeking him out and proposing to him a job
for which he was willing to pay five hundred dollars. Barton was not
scrupulous, and readily agreed to do the work. He was skillful with the
pen, and did his work so well that all were deceived.

"You will be willing to swear to this in court?"

"Yes, sir, if you will guarantee the sum you proposed."

"I will. I shall wish you to find a boarding place in the village, and
remain here for the present, so as to be ready when needed. I will be
responsible for your board."

As Jonas Barton was leaving the house, one of the servants came in with
important news, in which Frank was strongly interested.

CHAPTER XLI

CONCLUSION

The news was that Mr. Manning and Mark had just arrived at the Cedars.
They had come by the last evening train. Why they had come back so
unexpectedly no one knew, but the servant had heard that Mark was in
poor health. This was true.

Mark, in Europe, had proved uncontrollable. He had given way to his
natural love of drink, had kept late hours, and had seriously injured
his constitution. In consequence of these excesses, he had contracted a
fever, which alarmed him father and induced him to take the first
steamer home.

"We won't call upon your stepfather this evening, Frank," said Col.
Vincent; "but early Monday morning we will bring matters to a crisis."

Mr. Manning did not hear of Frank's presence in the village. He was
fatigued with his rapid travel and kept at home. Besides, Mark was
prostrated by his j