It lay deep down, and not directly under. They could scarcely have reached it with their hands. Stephen ran into the parlor, and brought out an opera-glass that was upon the table there.
"That's bright of you, Steve!" cried Ruth.
Through the glass they discerned clearly the handwriting. They read the words, at the upturned corner,—"heirs after him."
"Lay the board back in its place," said Ruth. "It isn't for us to meddle with any more. Take the kittens away." Ruth had turned quite pale.
Going down to the barn with Stephen, presently, carrying the two kittens in her arms, while he had the mallet and wedge,—
"Stephen," said she, "I'm going to do something on my own responsibility."
"I should think you had."
"O, that was nothing. I had to do that. I had to make sure before I said anything. But now,—I'm going to ask Uncle and Aunt Roderick to come over. They ought to be here, you know."