"Wait, and I will explain fully. Don't interrupt until I am done.
Here was a peculiar situation. The administrators are all old personal
friends of the testator, anxious to have the estate retained in the
family. How could this be accomplished? Neale laid the case before
me. I can see but one feasible method--illegal, to be sure, and yet
justifiable under the circumstances. Someone must impersonate Philip
Henley long enough to permit the settlement of the estate."

I rose to my feet indignantly.

"And you thought I would consent? would be a party to this fraud?"

"Now, wait, Craig," as calmly as ever. "This is nothing to be ashamed
of, nor, so far as I can see, as a lawyer, does it involve danger. It
will make a man of Henley, reunite him with his wife if she still
lives, and give him standing in the world. Scattered about among
charities the Lord knows who it would benefit--a lot of beggars likely.
We are merely helping the boy to retain what is rightfully his. Don't
throw this chance away, hastily--ten thousand dollars is pretty good
pay for a couple of months' work."

I sank back into my chair undecided, yet caught by the glitter of the
promise. Why not? Surely, it would do no harm, and, if the
administrators were satisfied, what cause had I to object. They were
responsible, and, if they thought this the best course, I might just as
well take my profit. If not they would find someone else who would.

"But--but can that be done?" I asked hesitatingly.