"Is it possible!" said he.
"My God,—my father!" and father and daughter were locked in each other's embrace.
Maxwell, stripped of his disguise, and ruined in his own opinion, and in the opinion of everybody else, had watched all the proceedings we have narrated in silence. Ashamed of the awkward appearance he made in his undress, and confused by the sudden change in his affairs, he was at a loss to know which way to turn.
Henry Carroll realized the sense of embarrassment that pervaded all parties, and was desirous of putting an end to the state of things which promised nothing but strife and confusion. So he directed Hatchie to fasten Maxwell's hands together, and keep him secure. This step the attorney seemed not inclined to permit, and a struggle ensued.
"Mr. Dumont," said he, "is this by your order?"
"No," replied Jaspar, anxious to secure at least one friend. "No! I am still in my own house, and the law will protect me."
"Certainly," returned Maxwell; "this is all a farce. There is not a single particle of evidence to disprove the will."
"Well, now, I reckon there is a leetle grain," said Uncle Nathan, stepping forward and producing the will, which had been intrusted to him on board the Chalmetta. "This will set matters about right, I rayther guess."
"What mean you, fellow?" said Jaspar. "What is it?"
"The genuine will," replied Hatchie, still holding Maxwell. "I gave it into his hands. To explain how I came by it, I need only call your attention to a certain night, when I surprised you and this honorable gentleman in this very apartment."