Gordon Craig | Page 6

entirely unknown there. Anyone, bearing
ever so slight a resemblance, would pass muster. All you need do is
read the father's letters over, post yourself on a few details and take
possession. We will attend to all legal matters."
"Then you consider that I resemble Henley?"
"No," coolly, "not in any remarkable manner, but sufficient for our
purpose--age, size, general appearance answers very well; nose, eyes
and hair are alike, and general contour of the face is similar. There is
not likely to be any close scrutiny. Here is young Henley's photograph."
He picked it up from among the papers, and handed it over to me.
There was a resemblance, recognizable now that my attention had been
called to it, certain features being remarkably similar, although the face
in the picture wore a hard, dissipated look utterly at variance with my
own. I glanced at the endorsement on the back.
"He was going to send this photograph to his father."
"Yes, but never did. Apparently there is no flaw in our plan."
CHAPTER III
I ACCEPT THE OFFER
I do not know how others might have looked upon such a proposition
as this, but it never occurred to me at the time to doubt the honesty of
Vail's statement, nor could I perceive any great wrong in the action so

calmly proposed. This was Philip Henley's property; his father
undoubtedly intended he should inherit it, and the poor devil was
utterly unable to comply with the terms of the will. The very fact that
he possessed sufficient pride to part with the inheritance rather than
openly reveal his disgrace, appealed strongly. That sort of fellow must
have a strain of manhood in him. If I could serve him, save the property
for him, at almost no danger to myself, and make a tidy sum of money
doing it, why shouldn't I consent? I saw no reason for refusal. To be
sure the method was not lawful, yet was advised by a lawyer, and
agreed to by the administrators. Besides, the keeping of a few
promiscuous charities out of such a gift did not seem especially
wrong--I knew nothing, cared nothing for their loss. They were but
names of no significance. Vail, watching the expression of my face in
the light, seemed to divine my thoughts.
"Evidently you are recovering your good sense," he remarked easily.
"There is no use acting like a fool in a matter of this kind. You are
lucky to fall into such a chance. You 'll act, I take it?"
"Yes," the word was out almost before I was aware of speaking.
"Sensible decision, my man," his face lighting up. "Now there is no
need of our meeting again, or being seen together. The more quiet we
can keep our plans, the better it will be for all concerned. Neale, hand
Craig your copy of the articles of administration, and of the will."
I took these and read them over carefully, yet without fully
comprehending the legal phraseology. They were apparently genuine,
and I gathered from them that the facts were exactly as stated. Peter B.
Neale, of Birmingham, was named one of the administrators. The two
men watched me read, and when I laid the papers down Vail was ready
with others.
"Here is a small packet of letters from Judge Henley to his son," he said,
in a business-like way, "which you had better read, and so familiarize
yourself with local names, and conditions. I have also drawn up, and
had typed, a brief sketch of young Henley's life, which will aid you in
playing the part. You will need a new outfit of clothes, I presume?"

"This is my best suit."
"I thought it probable. Now, if you will sign this paper, I will hand you
a liberal advance."
I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough. Of course they
would require some guarantee that my work would be performed. Yet
certain questions arose to my mind.
[Illustration: I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough.]
"As soon as the property is legally in my possession I am to deed it
over to you?"
"Certainly; I represent the administrators, and the rightful heir."
"That will involve forgery on my part."
He waved his hand, as though brushing away an insect.
"Technically, yes; but under legal advice, my dear boy, and agreement
of the officials interested in proper settlement of the estate. There is no
danger whatever."
I was not assured as to this, and yet the man's easy manner, and smooth
speech, served to ease my conscience.
"And the ten thousand dollars?" I asked.
"A thousand will be handed you tonight; the remainder may be retained
at the final settlement, together with the compensation of the woman.
You make your own