"He is one of my best friends. Before buying the shares of the Golden Hope Mine he asked my advice."
"Do you expect me to believe such ridiculous stuff? What could you know about the mine?"
"I have recently returned from California. On the way I stopped in Nevada, and I have in my pocket a statement signed by the secretary of the company, that four hundred shares of the stock stood in the name of my grandfather."
It was a series of surprises. Solon Talbot walked up and down the library in a state of nervous agitation.
"What do you expect me to do?" he added finally.
"This letter will inform you, Uncle Solon."
"From whom is it?"
"From my lawyer, George Gerrish."
Mr. Gerrish, as Mr. Talbot knew, was one of the leaders of the bar. He opened it with trembling hands, and read the following:
"Mr. Solon Talbot:
"Dear Sir: