Squire Tisdale took the key, and Mrs. Preston led the way to her late husband's desk. A momentary fear seized her.
"What if there was an earlier will, or two copies of the last?" she thought. "I ought to have made sure by looking over the other papers."
But it was too late now. Besides, it seemed very improbable that there should be another will. Had there been an earlier one, it would, doubtless, have been destroyed on the drafting of the one she had found. She reassured herself, therefore, and awaited with tranquillity the result of the search.
The search was careful and thorough. Mrs. Preston desired that it should be so. Knowing the wrong she had done to Andy and his mother, as well as the town, she was unnecessarily anxious to appear perfectly fair, and assured Squire Tisdale that, had there been a will, its provisions should have been carried out to the letter.
"There is no will here," said the squire, after a careful search.
"I did not expect you would find one," said the widow; "but it was necessary to make sure."
"Is there any other place where your husband kept papers?"
"We will look in the drawers and trunks," said Mrs. Preston; "but I don't think any will be found."
None was found.
"Can I do anything more for you, Mrs. Preston?" asked the squire.