"By George! that has only just occurred to me, but it is two strings to my bow," said Sam. "If one fails, the other will be sure to shoot somewhere. Now I will go to dinner and see how it looks when I come back."
But Sam was not obliged to wait as long as that, for on his way he overtook Gus Layton, who was just returning home after his visit to the livery-stable. Gus had been there in the hope of obtaining the ponies to take care of, but found that Bob had paid for them a month's board in advance, and that the only way he could secure them was by going to Mr. Gibbons for an order. Gus was in a very bad humor, and when Sam stepped up and touched his hat to him he mentally wished him by Bob's side on board the J. W. Smart.
"How are you, Gus?" said Sam, with a cheerful attempt at familiarity.
"How are you?" said Gus.
"Oh, now, you needn't throw your head in that lofty manner," said Sam. "You will see the day when you will be glad to speak to me. I know something about the will that you would be glad to know. I know who wrote the codicil."
Gus stopped and stared at Sam.
"Yes. That's a clause added to the will, so that, in a few words, it doesn't make any difference how long the body of the instrument is, you can undo everything that has been done. For example—"
"I do not care to hear anything about it," interrupted Gus. "My father is the man for you to see."
"Well, I would just as soon see him as anybody, but as I thought I could see you first, I had better speak to you before going to him. Now, Gus, I know all about it—"
"Go and see my father about it," returned Gus. "I have nothing whatever to do with it."