but we did not know, until after his death, that his own children were
unaware they had an uncle. It seems strange, doesn't it?"

"It does to me; SO strange that I can't see two lengths ahead. I
cal'late Mr. Graves told you how I felt about it?"

"Yes. That is, he said you were very much surprised."

"That's puttin' it mild enough. And did he tell you that 'Bije and I
hadn't seen each other, or even written, in eighteen years?"

"Yes."

"Um-hm. Well, when you consider THAT, can you wonder I was set all
aback? And the more I think of it, the foggier it gets. Why, Mr.
Sylvester, it's one of them situations that are impossible, that you
can prove fifty ways CAN'T happen. And yet, it has--it sartinly has.
Now tell me: Are you, or your firm, well acquainted with my brother's
affairs?"

"Not well, no. The late Mr. Warren was a close-mouthed man, rather
secretive, in fact."

"Humph! that bein' one of the p'ints where he was different from his
nighest relation, hey?"

"I'm not so sure. Have you questioned the children?"

"Caroline and Steve? Yes, I've questioned 'em more than they think I
have, maybe. And they know--well, leavin' out about the price of oil