Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/178

 in the sense of papyrus or parchment? We spoke of documents. Now let the constable go and drive the live-stock here, and we will make good our charges and get at the res gestæ.'

"Tib bounced sharply from his chair at the last shot, and eyed the dictionary wistfully. But, as there was only one thing to do, he ordered the lame man hence, and in about ten minutes the mooing of cattle called us all to the door.

"‘While we are entitled to a subpœna duces tecum,declared Mr. Remmy, airily, 'we have waived that right, and now that the live-stock is here let my learned friend make good his vaunted boast and point out Silas Higbutton's last will.' "Mr. Bilger and Hiram merely grinned. They yanked a fettlesome cow up to the door and then asked the court to drag his honest orbs over her right flank. And hang me, sir, if there wasn't branded the words, 'I give, devise, and bequeath to—' and no more!

"Tib mopped his brow, stared intently at the beast for a minute, and then gasped, in a trembly voice, 'Bequeathed to whom?'

"‘Jest wait a second, y' honor,' cried Hiram, stalking proudly back and netting a steer, whose flank bore the next instalment, to wit, 'Hiram Duzer all—' and that was all.

"Well, sir, the discovery of these sections of the