Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/179

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A CORNER IN JURISDICTION

will simply swept the defendants and their attorney off their feet, and Tib could only sit on the door-step and weakly ask, 'Is there any more?'

"‘The will is complete,' assured Mr. Bilger, gravely. 'I dictated it.'

"And two more cows showed the words, 'My property wherever situate,' and 'Signed, Silas Higbutton.'

"‘It's worthless!' cried Mr. Remmy, joyfully. 'It must have three witnesses.'

"Hiram fractured his face with another smile, and I instinctively knew he had big casino. For he turned the critter about, and there on the other flank was his name as well as two others.

"‘It seems regular,' gasped Tib. 'I suppose a will should be witnessed on the side where the testator signs, and yet if the hide were removed all four signatures would be on the same side. What have you to say, Mr. Remmy?'

"Brother R. simply growled in his anger, but at last declared that at least there could be no question as to his clients' right to the two mediæval-looking horses. But Hiram and his lawyer, you know, had all the laurels tucked in their belts when it came to being old cuties, and with a deprecatory wave of the hand Bilger shyly called attention to the fact that each horse was a codicil.

"‘What's th' jedge goin' ter do?' whispered one of the amazed fringe of spectators.

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