I was amazed, and must have looked so, for the old man broke into a
merry laugh, that sounded like two pieces of cracked iron rubbing
together. There was a merry twinkle in his eye even after his laugh, and
he regarded me with a humorous expression which was entirely new to me.

"Well," he said, "I see that you are somewhat slow of apprehension; not
at all as sharp as others of the family. So I must help you out. I am
going to make my will. There!"

"Well then, you had better consult a lawyer or a notary. I am neither of
the two, and cannot be of the least use to you."

"That's gospel truth. But as you are the only sensible person of the
whole family, the only one who is not a prodigal, and have made shift to
live decently upon your own earnings, I rather think that I may be of
use to you. I like you, because you browbeat me and do not flatter me,
and I will tell you the truth; that bank-bill which you returned to me
strongly interested me in your favour. There was a time when I was not
the shrewd hard fellow that I am, but a true Dumany and a spendthrift. I
can show you a heap of signatures from nearly all the members of our
family--that is, the elder members--every one given me as security for
money I have lent them; but that money was never returned to me, and
although I have always believed that spirits will break their bonds and
return to their former home, I never believed in a bank-note's return
until you showed me the miracle. Therefore I have decided to make you my
heir, and I have called you to witness the will and--"

"Not a word more," I said. "I never speculated upon anybody's death, and
do not intend to change my habit. I never took the trouble to inquire
how much of my poor father's fortune was swallowed by the lawyers,