ironically. Browne nodded cheerfully. "You can't tell what may happen in
the next six months."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it's possible that you may become a widower and she a wid--"

"Good heaven, Judge Garrett! Impossible!" gasped Bobby Browne, clutching
the arms of his chair.

"Nothing is impossible, my boy--"

"Well, if that's what you're counting on you can count me out, I won't
speculate on my wife's death."

"But, man, suppose that it _did_ happen!" roared the judge irascibly.
"You should be prepared for the best--I mean the worst. Don't look like
a sick dog. We've got to watch every corner, that's all, and be
Johnny-on-the-spot when the time comes. You go to the island at once.
Take your wife along if you like. You'll find her ladyship there, and
she'll need a woman to tell her troubles to. I'll have the papers ready
for you to sign in three days, and I don't think we'll have any trouble
getting the British heirs to join in the suit to overthrow the will. The
only point is this: the islanders must not have the advantage that your
absence from Japat will give to them. Now, I'll----"

"But, good Lord, Judge Garrett, I can't go to that confounded island,"
wailed Browne. "Take my wife over among those heathenish----"

"Do you expect me to handle this case for you, sir?"