You remember what I had decided to do. It shall be
done at once, Gammon. I know it will relieve my mind."
He rose, went to the writing-table, unlocked a drawer, and took out
a large sealed envelope, on which something was written.
"Gammon, you are witness of what I now do. This is my will, executed
about a year ago. I have reasons for wishing to dispose of my
property in another way. Cuthbertson will see to that for me
to-morrow. A will becomes public. I did not think of that at the
time. There!"
He threw the sealed packet into the fire, where it was quickly
caught by the flames and consumed.
"Now I feel easier in mind, much easier."
He drank from the replenished glass, smiling and nodding.
CHAPTER XXII
NEW YEAR'S EVE
Gammon had the strangest sensation. He felt as though he were acting
in a melodrama; he stood in a constrained position, as if the eyes
of the house were upon him; he suffered from a sort of stage fright.
Much more of this kind of thing would assuredly unsettle his wits.
To recover tone he helped himself to a stiff glass of whisky.
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