the lad ran away. He came North, and was unheard-of for some time,
living under an assumed name. Later some slight correspondence ensued
between father and son, and the boy was granted a regular allowance.
The father was a very eccentric man, harsh and unforgiving, and, while
giving the boy money, never extended an invitation to return home.
Consequently Philip remained in the North, and led his own life. He
became dissipated, and a rounder, and drifted into evil associations.
Finally, about six months ago, he married a girl in this city, not of
wealthy family, but of respectable antecedents. Her home, we
understand, was in Spokane, and she had an engagement on the stage when
she first met Henley. He married her under his assumed name and they
began housekeeping in a flat on the north side."

He paused in his recital, took a drink, his eyes turning toward Neale;
then resumed in the same level voice:

"The Judge learned of this marriage in some way, and began to insist
that the son return home with his wife. Circumstances prevented,
however, and the visit was deferred. Meanwhile, becoming more
eccentric as he grew older, the father discharged all his old servants,
and lived the life of a recluse. When he died suddenly, and almost
alone, he left a will, probably drawn up soon after he learned of his
son's wedding, leaving his property to Philip, providing the young man
returned, with his wife, to live upon the estate within six months;
otherwise the entire estate should be divided among certain named
charities. Three administrators were named, of whom Neale here was
one."

I glanced back at the man referred to; he was leaning forward, his
elbow on his knees, and, catching my eyes, drew a legal-looking paper