“Andy, you don’t know what it is to be old and weak. When a man gets to be seventy-five,” said Simon, in a pathetic voice, “he doesn’t want to be at strife. He wants peace and rest. Twenty years ago, or even ten years ago, I should have been better able to resist Mr. Brackett; now he annoys and worries me.”
“How long has he been trying to get you to make a will in his favor?”
“For at least two years.”
“I almost wonder you didn’t do it to get rid of him.”
“I will never do that,” said Simon Dodge, with an energy that surprised Andy. “It wouldn’t be safe,” he added, lowering his voice.
“Why wouldn’t it be safe?” inquired our hero, not without curiosity.
“I believe Brackett and his wife would take care that they didn’t have to wait long for their money.”
“You don’t mean to say that they would make away with you?” said Andy, startled.
“I hope not—I hope not. But I don’t think it safe to expose them to temptation,” said Mr. Dodge, shaking his head.