They had entered the hall, and were waiting for an elevator, when the office-girl came running out to them.
"Mr. Beaks wants you again, please!"
They re-entered the law office. Beaks waved them to chairs, and continued his study of the letter of instructions, which he had opened upon their leaving.
They waited in silence.
He turned abruptly, and thrust, into Paul's hand the single sheet of heavy paper which had been contained in the letter of instructions. Upon it, in pen and ink, were these words only:
Institutions referred to in my will which are to receive the principal of my estate upon my only nephew's refusal to accept trust provision.
NONE.
Henry Clay Manley.
"What—what does it mean?" asked Paul.
"It means," said Mr. Beaks, "that your uncle died intestate, except for the provision for the payment of funeral expenses, debts, taxes and my fees. The trust has terminated, and I am now required to pay over the principal to the rightful heirs. Inasmuch as he has made no disposition of his estate, it must go according to the Table of Descent."