“But how can this be proved? It is the general belief that Smith committed suicide through extreme poverty and destitution.”
Mr. Gray drew a letter from his pocket.
“You remember the memorandum I showed you, which came into my possession. Here it is; it is dated the day of his death.”
Dr. Duchesne took it and read:—
“July 17th. Five hours in drift—dipping west. Took out 20 oz.—cleaned up 40 oz.—Mem. Saw M. S.”
“This evidently refers to actual labor in the mine at the time,” said Dr. Duchesne. “But is it legally sufficient to support a claim of this magnitude? That is the only question now. You say this paper was the leaf of an old memorandum, torn off and used for a letter by M’liss; do you know where the orignal book can be found?”
“Aristides has it, or knows where it is,” answered Mr. Gray.
“Find it by all means. And get legal advice before you do anything. Go this very evening to Judge Plunkett and state your case to him. The promise of a handsome contingent fee won’t hurt M’liss’s prospects any. Remember, our ideas of abstract justice and the letter of the law in this case may be entirely different. Take Judge Plunkett your proofs; that is,” said the Doctor, stopping and eying his friend keenly, “if you have no fears for M’liss if this matter should be thoroughly ventilated.”
Mr. Gray did not falter.
“I go at once,” said he gayly, “if only to prove the child’s claim to a good name if we fail in getting her property.”