CHAPTER XXXI
THE CONFESSION TO THE BOYS
The carriage had gone two squares before the silence in it was broken. Then Roy spoke.
“What is it, Syd?” he said. “I am sure you are worrying yourself needlessly over something—are magnifying it from a molehill into a mountain.”
“Needlessly? Oh, boys, would that I were! But as soon as I tell you, you will understand it all. And I shall tell you now—in a minute. But just give me your hand, each of you, that I may feel the warm pressure of your confidence before—before you know the worst of me.”
Roy and Rex instantly put out their hands. Syd took one in each of his and held them tight for an instant. Then he dropped them quickly and began to speak rapidly.
“Do you remember, Roy, the night last July you went home in Dr. Martin’s carriage and left me alone with Mr. Tyler? The will that left all his money to mother had been signed and witnessed; you know what it contained. I felt so rejoiced for you all, although I had no idea then that there was a chance of your so soon coming into possession.
“I sat talking to the old man for an hour or so, about his investments and the various savings banks in which his money was deposited. Finally he appeared to grow restless.
“‘Have you got that will I made, Sydney?’ he asked.
“I pointed it out to him where it lay on the table.
“‘I can make another one, can’t I?’ he went on.