llion in a year? Great Scott, who wouldn't do it! All I have
to do is to cut a few purse strings and there is but one natural
conclusion. I don't mind being a pauper for a few hours on the 23d of
next September."

"That is your plan, then?"

"Of course. First I shall substantiate all that this will sets forth.
When I am assured that there can be no possibility of mistake in the
extent of this fortune and my undisputed claim, I'll take steps to get
rid of my grandfather's million in short order." Brewster's voice rang
true now. The zest of life was coming back.

Mr. Grant leaned forward slowly and his intent, penetrating gaze served
as a check to the young fellow's enthusiasm.

"I admire and approve the sagacity which urges you to exchange a paltry
million for a fortune, but it seems to me that you are forgetting the
conditions," he said, slowly. "Has it occurred to you that it will be
no easy task to spend a million dollars without in some way violating
the restrictions in your uncle's will, thereby losing both fortunes?"

CHAPTER V

THE MESSAGE FROM JONES

A new point of view gradually came to Brewster. All his life had been
spent in wondering how to get enough money to pay his bills, and it had
not occurred to him that it might be as difficult to spend as to
acquire wealth. The thought staggered him for a moment. Then he cried
triumphantly, "I can decline to accept grandfather's million."

"You cannot decline to accept what is already yours. I understand that
the money has been paid to you by Mr. Buskirk. You have a million
dollars, Mr. Brewster, and it cannot be denied."

"You are right," agreed Montgomery, dejectedly. "Really, Mr. Grant,
this proposition is too much for me. If you aren't required to give an
immediate answer, I want to think it over. It sounds like a dream."

"It is no dream, Mr. Brewster," smiled the lawyer. "You are face to
face with an amazing reality. Come in to-morrow morning and see me
again. Think it over, study it out. Remember the conditions of the will
and the conditions that confront you. In the meantime, I shall write to
Mr. Jones, the executor, and learn from him just what he expects you to
do in order to carry out his own conception of the terms of your
uncle's will."

"Don't write, Mr. Grant; telegraph. And ask him to wire his reply. A
year is not very long in an affair of this kind." A moment later he
added, "Damn these family feuds! Why couldn't Uncle James have