The suggestion was acted upon. At seven o’clock that evening the experiment was tried again.
This time it was successful.
The clock struck seven, the pressure was made, and lo! the case of book-shelves swung slowly from the wall, revealing a compartment composed of shelves, drawers, and unique recesses.
“Success!” exclaimed Leonard, and excited exclamations of delight burst from the lips of all present.
An examination of the contents of the secret recess was next in order, and this was, by common consent, given in charge of Mr. Tibbs, he being the attorney of the estate.
But little more remains to be told.
The new will, duly signed and witnessed, left the bulk of the property, in equal divisions, to Florence Darley and Carlos Conrad. Leonard Lester also received a legacy of a few thousand dollars, and some of the servants were the recipients of small behests.
To Geoffrey Haywood, Colonel Conrad simply left his forgiveness. The documents of Carlos Conrad’s father fully demonstrated Haywood’s wickedness—the details of which need not be recounted.
The criminal and false friend received his just deserts, being tried, found guilty, and sentenced to a long term ofimprisonment to expiate his crimes against the government. Roake shared a like fate, as did also a Jersey City receiver. Jake Heath had taken early alarm, and fled before there was an opportunity to arrest him. Kate, his daughter—misguided, passionate, and perhaps despairing—was subsequently recognized on the stage, having rejoined her former theatrical life.
Carlos Conrad, under good nursing, speedily recovered from his illness, and returned to Dalton to take possession of the valuable property that had become his. It may be interesting to the reader to know that he wooed and won Florence Darley; that his great love for her met with a satisfying response.