motioned him to sit down again.
Warren wondered why Farman wished to continue the interview. The reason became apparent when the attorney spoke.
“Warren,” said Farman kindly, “I can be frank with you now. I have felt it was my duty to express the actual status of the Delthern estate to the interested parties, but I tempered my desire because I felt that it would be unwise to point out the flaws of Caleb Delthern’s will to those who themselves were seeking loopholes.
“Since you have shown your true feelings, I can follow duty so far as you are concerned. I shall tell you exactly why I am dissatisfied with the arrangement that Caleb Delthern made. It did not occur to me until the other night, when Humphrey and Jasper revealed their malicious natures.
“I learned then that the will should have named the legatees. I learned it, not only because of the attempt to disinherit you, but because of a much greater reason, which, I hope, has not been detected by either Humphrey or Jasper.”
“I cannot figure the reason,” remarked Warren, as Farman paused. “Do you mean that there may be other claimants who may appear within the coming month?”
“No,” responded the lawyer, with a shake of his head. “The fault lies in the apportionment of the estate. One person is to receive one half. Who is that person, Warren?”
“Winstead Delthern,” returned the young man promptly.
“No!” announced the lawyer. “It is not Winstead Delthern! It is to be the eldest survivor of the lawful descendants - the eldest survivor at the time when the estate is to be actually apportioned!”
THE old counselor was tapping the desk as he spoke. He saw a glimmer of understanding come over Warren Barringer’s countenance.
“You mean” - Warren’s tone was sudden - “that if Winstead Delthern fails to appear upon that night - or if -“
“I mean,” interposed Farman, “that one half of the estate will go to the eldest surviving heir. At present, that person is Winstead Delthern. I hope that the same condition will be true upon the appointed night. Otherwise, the status of the estate will be entirely changed.”
“Why are you telling me this?” blurted Warren. “You have expressed a horrible thought, Mr. Farman! I cannot believe that anyone would seek to eliminate Winstead Delthern in order that another might gain his appointed wealth.”
“I trust that such could not be the case,” agreed Farman. “Nevertheless, such things can happen. I have spoken to you, Warren, because you are honest; also because you are the fourth in line.
“But I felt that it would have been unwise for me to have suggested this condition to Humphrey Delthern, the one who would profit most should Winstead die before the final settlement. I also hesitated to tell Jasper. The lessening of the heirs would increase his share; furthermore, only Winstead and Humphrey stand in his way. Of all the Deltherns, Jasper is the most unscrupulous.”
The lawyer arose and walked with Warren to the door.
“Preserve silence,” warned Farman. “This discussion has been entirely confidential. I felt it my duty to inform you of these unfortunate possibilities. An attempt was made to eliminate you as an heir. Open measures failed; secret methods may follow.
“Remember that I am your counselor” - the old lawyer rested his hand on Warren’s shoulder - “and whatever may occur, you can rely upon my advice. At the same time, I am the impartial representative of all the heirs. I expressed my opinions to you only because circumstances nearly caused you injury.
“Your relatives know that you have returned. You will probably want to meet them, particularly as all but Jasper are living at the old manor, which you will undoubtedly wish to visit. But” - Farman’s eyes gleamed wisely - “it would be best to remember my advice. Be cordial but restrained until after the settlement of the estate.”
Warren Barringer nodded as he left the old attorney. On the way back to his hotel, he pondered over the possibilities that Horatio Farman had expressed. At last the brightness of the day dispelled his apprehensions.
Horatio Farman had suggested sinister possibilities. To Warren Barringer’s honest mind, those thoughts were beyond the range of probability.
CHAPTER VI
WARREN FINDS FRIENDSHIP
THAT evening, after dinner, Warren Barringer performed his next duty as a member of the Delthern family. He went to a telephone in the hotel lobby, and called Delthern Manor. A solemn voice answered him.
“I would like to speak with Mr. Winstead Delthern,” announced Warren. “Is he at home?”
“Mr. Winstead Delthern is engaged,” came the response. “Is there any message, sir?”
“Yes,” said Warren. “Tell him that his cousin - Warren Barringer - is calling.”
“Yes, sir. Hold the line, please.”
A few minutes later, the same voice came over the telephone. Warren, by this time, had decided that a servant must be speaking.
“I am sorry, Mr. Barringer” - the speaker seemed to express regret - “but Mr. Winstead Delthern says that he will he unable to converse with you at present. However, sir, he states that it is your privilege to come to this house at any time that you may choose. He will meet you if you make such a visit.”
Indignation filled Warren Barringer. He saw the motive behind this message. Winstead Delthern was making it plain - through a servant - that he did not care to make the acquaintance of his returned cousin. At the same time, Winstead was abiding by the duty imposed upon him as the new master of Delthern Manor. The door was open, should Warren choose to come.
The first impulse on Warren’s part was to deliver a sharp return message; to tell the servant at the other end that Winstead Delthern need never expect a visit from his cousin. But as he began to speak, Warren realized that this would be the very answer that Winstead wanted. Curbing his indignation, Warren made a different statement.
“Tell Mr. Delthern,” he said, “that I shall accept his invitation. He may expect a personal call from me tomorrow evening.”
Despite the friendliness of his disposition, Warren Barringer was inclined to anger when treated unjustly. His natural temper was a fault which he ordinarily managed to control. He expressed it now when he banged down the telephone receiver, and strode, scowling, into the lobby. A man arose from a chair and blocked his path.
“Warren Barringer?” questioned the fellow.
“Yes,” responded Warren, cooling quickly. He did not like the face of this man whom he had encountered. He wondered what the stranger wanted.
“I’m Jasper Delthern,” came the greeting. “Old Farman told me you were in town. Glad to meet you.”
WARREN accepted Jasper’s handshake. His first impulse was one of distinct antagonism. Jasper Delthern’s countenance was an unpleasant one. Shifty eyes, puffy lips, and a leering expression, made a bad impression. Jasper’s handshake, though firm, was of a crunching type, that betokened boastful strength rather than sincerity.
One factor, however, caused Warren Barringer to accept Jasper’s presence. That was the rebuff which had just come from Winstead. Anger toward one cousin caused Warren to soften toward the younger man, who had voluntarily come to greet him.
“Hello, Cousin Jasper,” said Warren. “I’m glad to find one relative who isn’t sorry that I’m back in Newbury.”
An ugly smile wreathed Jasper’s lips.
“Who were you talking to on the phone?” he questioned. “My brother Winstead?”
“To his servant,” stated Warren. “Winstead apparently refused to talk to me.”
“He put Wellington on the wire, eh?” laughed Jasper. “Well, that’s Winstead for you. A dried-up fossil, that brother of mine. Looks twenty years older than he is. Humphrey’s just as bad. What did Wellington tell you. Doors open, and all that?”
“Yes.”
“Open for me, too. Fat chance of my going up to live in that mausoleum. The club’s the place for me. Come
