“And this was the ledge he fell over?”
Mr. Norton nodded.
I shuddered. In imagination I could see my father going over, and clutching out vainly to save himself. It was a horrible thought.
“Yes, he went over. It was no use to try to save him, though I did spring forward. He went down, and struck on his head.”
“You went after him at once?”
“Of course; as quick as I could. He was alive yet, but he didn’t live very long; just long enough to settle up his private matters, and put me in charge of his affairs.”
“How is that?”
“He made me write it out on a bit of paper, and then he signed it. I didn’t want to do it, but he said I was his only relative, and I must.”
“Then he wanted you to take entire charge of his affairs?” I asked.
“That’s it. In other words, I was to become your guardian, Reuben.”