"David, you must let mother talk with you. She can tell you what to
do. Don't think of--of that, please, please don't."
He turned upon her, amazed. "Don't you think that he _ought_ to be
killed?" he demanded.
"Can't a judge order him to be hung?" she asked encouragingly.
"But they'd never be able to prove it on him. Christine, I--I wouldn't
be surprised if he has also killed Isaac Perry. I've thought of that,
too. Isaac is too dangerous to be left alive, don't you see. He drew
the will and perhaps forged granddaddy's name, and also that of George
Whitman, after Whitman's death. Maybe granddaddy really signed the
will, thinking it was the transfer. I--"
"Do you think your uncle wanted you to be hanged for something you
didn't do,--for a murder he committed himself?"
"Why not? I was in the way. If they lynched me at once, he could feel
very secure. Besides, he knew of the other will, dated years ago,
which is in the bank at Richmond. Of course, the fraudulent will takes
the place of the old one."
David did not then tell her of his stealthy return to Jenison Hall two
nights after his flight and before the funeral.
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