"Yes, a good L1000 a year, in the fives; money saved from his rents, in a long life.

This will probably has some provision in favour of my younger brothers; and perhaps of this namesake of his,"-- Tom was well aware that it devised every shilling, real and personal, to himself;--"for a kinder heart does not exist on earth.

In fact, this will my uncle put in my possession, as heir at law, feeling it due to my pretensions, I suppose; but I have never presumed to look into it." Here was another instance of excessive finesse, in which Tom awakened suspicion by his very efforts to allay it.

It seemed highly improbable to Sir Gervaise, that a man like the nephew could long possess his uncle's will, and feel no desire to ascertain its contents.

The language of the young man was an indirect admission, that he might have examined the will if he would; and the admiral felt disposed to suspect that what he might thus readily have done, he actually had done.