"
"We must hope for the best," rejoined Mr. Balch. "If he has any heart, he
certainly will make some provision for them. The disappearance of that will
is to me most unaccountable! I am confident it was at his house. It seemed
so singular that none of his papers should be missing, except that--there
were a great many others, deeds, mortgages, &c. scattered over the floor,
but no will!"
The gentlemen were thus conversing, when they heard a tap at the door.
"Come in!" cried Mr. Balch; and, in answer to the request, in walked Mr.
George Stevens.
Mr. Walters and Mr. Balch bowed very stiffly, and the latter inquired what
had procured him the honour of a visit.
"I have called upon you in reference to the property of the late Mr.
Garie." "Oh! you are acting in behalf of this new claimant, I suppose?"
rejoined Mr. Balch.
"Sir!" said Mr. Stevens, looking as though he did not thoroughly understand
him.
"I said," repeated Mr. Balch, "that I presumed you called in behalf of this
new-found heir to Mr. Garie's property."
Mr. Stevens looked at him for a moment, then drawing himself up, exclaimed,
"I AM THE HEIR!"
"You!--_you_ the heir!" cried both the gentlemen, almost simultaneously.
"Yes, I am the heir!" coolly repeated Mr.
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