"RALPH BURNHAM.
By his next friend, SIMON CRAFT.
Dated, Sept. 26, 1867."
"Your Honor will notice that the petition is duly sworn to," said Sharpman, handing the paper to the clerk, who, in turn, handed it to the judge. There was a minute of silence. The lawyers were all staring at Sharpman in astonishment.
Then, the judge spoke.
"Mr. Sharpman, I was not aware that Robert Burnham left more than one child living; a girl, for whom we have already made appointment of a guardian."
"I was not aware of that fact either," rejoined Sharpman, "until very recently; but it is a fact, nevertheless; and we are here now, asking that a way be prepared by which this heir may come into his rightful portion of his father's estate."
"This is a peculiar case," responded the judge; "and I think we should have some other basis than this on which to act; some affidavit of facts."
"I came prepared to meet that objection," said Sharpman. "I will now read, if the court please, a statement of the facts in the case." He unfolded another paper and read a long and detailed account of the wreck, of Ralph's rescue by Simon Craft, of the old man's care and keeping of the boy, of the finding of Ralph's parents, the lad's desertion, the recent discovery of his whereabouts, of Craft's toil and sacrifice in the matter, and of Ralph's desire to be restored to his family. This was signed and sworn to by Simon Craft.
The judge sat for a moment in silence, as if studying the effect of this affidavit.
"Has the mother been notified," he said finally, "that this child is living, and, if so, why does not she appear here to make this application?"
"I will answer that question, your Honor, by reading the following affidavit," replied Sharpman.