A few months after Mr.Tretherick's death, through the agency of a Chinaman in his employment, it was discovered that he had made a will, which was subsequently found among his papers.

The insignificant value of his bequest--mostly land, then quite valueless--prevented his executors from carrying out his wishes, or from even proving the will, or making it otherwise publicly known, until within the last two or three years, when the property had enormously increased in value.

The provisions of that bequest are simple, but unmistakable.

The property is divided between Carry and her stepmother, with the explicit condition that Mrs.Starbottle shall become her legal guardian, provide for her education, and in all details stand to her IN LOCO PARENTIS." "What is the value of this bequest ?" asked Mr.Robinson.

"I cannot tell exactly, but not far from half a million, I should say," returned Prince.