I have brought that instrument with me.

You will recognise, Mr.
Ross"-- he said this with a sort of business conviction which I had noticed in his professional work, as he handed me the deed--"how strongly it is worded, and how the grantor made his wishes apparent in such a way as to leave no loophole.

It is his own wording, except for certain legal formalities; and I assure you I have seldom seen a more iron-clad document.

Even I myself have no power to make the slightest relaxation of the instructions, without committing a distinct breach of faith.

And that, I need not tell you, is impossible." He evidently added the last words in order to prevent an appeal to his personal consideration.