In another minute, Lambert Pennycomequick entered the room, very fresh, well dressed, and pleasant.
'Lamb!' exclaimed his mother, 'there is no will.'
'Then, I suppose,' said the captain, 'we shall have to take out an administration. I don't understand these things myself, but Cousin Philip is here on the spot to manage for us.'
'If there be no will,' explained Philip, 'you, Aunt Louisa, as sole surviving sister of Uncle Jeremiah, will have to act. You will have to take oath that he is dead, and that he died intestate. Then you will be granted administration as next of kin. If I had any doubt about his death, I would enter a caveat and prevent the grant; and then the death would have to be proved in solemn form in court. But I have no doubt that my uncle is dead, though I may think it an open matter whether the body in the other room be his.'
'And, if I am granted administration as nearest of kin, all the property comes to me?' said Mrs. Sidebottom.
'Not so—most certainly.'
'Why not? I am nearest. I alone have a stake in the mill. Yours was withdrawn long ago. I am his sister, you only a half-nephew.'
'For all that, you do not take everything. I have my share.'
'Well, if it must be, we will divide into three. I take a third in addition to what I have by my marriage settlement; Lamb has a third, and you the remainder.'
'Wrong again, aunt. Lambert is out of the running. The estate will be divided between you and me in equal portions.'