the lawyer was very well aware that there were times
when he could be as obstinate as any other man. For this reason he
held his tongue, and contented himself with bowing and drawing a sheet
of note paper towards him. Then, taking up a pen, he inquired in what
way he could be of service.

"The fact of the matter is, Bretherton," the other began, "I have a
communication to make to you which I scarcely know how to enter upon.
The worst of it is that, for very many reasons, I cannot tell you
anything definite. You must fill in the blanks according to your own
taste and fancy; and, according to how much you can understand, you can
advise me as to the best course for me to pursue."

He paused for a moment, and during the interval the lawyer withdrew his
glasses from his nose, polished them, and replaced them. Having done
so, he placed his finger-tips together, and, looking at Browne over
them, waited for him to proceed.

"The fact of the matter is," said the latter, "before I marry I have
pledged myself to the accomplishment of a certain work, the nature of
which I cannot explain--I have given my word that I will reveal
nothing. However, the fact remains that it will take me into some
rather strange quarters for a time; and for this reason it is just
possible that I--well, that you may never see me again."

"My dear Mr. Browne," said the lawyer, aghast with surprise, "you
astonish me more than I can say. Can it be that you are running such
risk of your own free-will? I cannot believe that you are serious."

"But I am," Browne replied; "perfectly serious."

"But have you considered everything? Think what this may mean, not
only to the young lady you are about to marry, but to all your friends."

"I have thought of everything," said Browne.

The lawyer was, however, by no means satisfied. "But, my dear sir," he
continued, "is there no way in which you can get out of it?"

"Not one," said Browne. "I have given the matter my earnest attention,
and have pledged myself to carry it out. No argument will move me.
What I want you to do is to make my will to suit the exigencies of the
case."

"Perhaps it would not be troubling you too much to let me know of what
they consist," said the lawyer, whose professional ideas were
altogether shocked by such unusual--he almost thought insane--behaviour.

"Well, to put it in a few words," said Browne, "I want you to arrange
that, in the event of anything happening to me,