Page:Last Cruise of the Spitfire.djvu/247

Rh While we were discussing matters there was a knock on the door, and Mr. Mason came in.

"What, Foster, back already! I knew you were coming, but did not expect you so soon."

"Did you receive Mr. Ranson's letter?" I asked.

"Yes; and came to have a talk with Mr. Stillwell. Where is he?"

In a few words I told him what had happened. The lawyer was much surprised.

"This will change things a great deal, especially if your uncle does not recover," he said. "I think we ought to go up to the house and see him."

"But he is very ill—" I began.

"All the more reason we should see him. He may have something to say before his death, if this stroke is fatal."

I could not help but shiver at the words. It seemed awful to me that my uncle should die, at such a time, when he was least prepared!

"I'll do whatever you think best, Mr. Mason," I replied.

"Then come. We will go at once. Delays are always dangerous."

In a moment more we were on the way. While seated in the Elevated car he asked me to tell him my whole story, and I did so, just as I have written it here.