Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/185

 "‘Or could we file a copy of the will?' asked Mr. Bilger, fearing Tib's puckered brow.

"‘Can't copy a cow—I mean those clauses—very well,' sneered Mr. Remmy, light-hearted with delight at having the burden shifted to Tib's shoulders.

"‘You could with a camera,' reminded Tib.

"‘But the law requires the original should be filed,' insisted Mr. Remmy.

"‘I'll designate the adjoining paddock as the court,' declared Tib, gleefully. 'Put the will in there.'

"Hiram and his attorney shook hands in radiant spirits, and then the latter turned to the court and with a playful air observed: "I don't suppose there is any objection to the calf staying with its mother, Clause Four, eh?'

"Tib, who was busy packing up his law tomes, wheeled quickly, and demanded: 'Calf? Explain.'

'"If your Honor please. Clause Four is accompanied by a calf, recently born,' said Mr. Bilger, with a strained, nervous smile.

"Born since the will was executed?' asked Tib, carelessly.

"Mr. Bilger replied easily in the affirmative and beamed brightly again as my chief seemed about to dismiss the matter. But all pleasant vistas were sadly agitated when Tib sternly inquired: 'Why wasn't I told this before?'