Both listeners uttered a cry of surprise.
“A burglar his heir?” said Nick, in astonishment.
“And to a big, round sum, too,” said Northrup, with manifest surprise.
“Yes, and I cannot find the burglar or the will, now.”
“How do you know that his heir is a burglar?” asked Nick.
“Because he told me so.”
“But how do you know he made such a will?”
“Because I drew it.”
“Phew. This is a romance indeed. Tell us all about it, George.”
The lawyer settled back in his chair as if preparing for a long session. He was pleased to have aroused the interest of his auditors, and was not loath to tell the strange story. But he puffed contentedly at his pipe for a moment before proceeding, seeming to enjoy the impatience of the two men, who were leaning forward in their chairs expectantly.