It is dated May 15th, three years ago.

Your brother, Captain Warren, evidently realized, although no one else seems to have done so, the precarious state of his health, and prepared, as every careful person should, for the great emergency." The attorney removed his eyeglasses and rubbed them with his handkerchief.

Captain Elisha sat silent, staring at the fire.

After an interval, Graves spoke again.
"Of course, Captain," he went on, "my errand is now plain.

I come to acquaint you with your brother's last wishes and to ascertain whether or not you are willing to accept the trust and responsibility he has laid upon you.