“The case wasn’t turned over to me, Carson,” the lawyer said quietly. “But I confess I’ve followed it rather closely because of a special interest I happen to have in Crowley. As the present will stands, I do not believe it can be broken.”
“Then the Tophams will get the entire estate,” Mr. Drew commented.
“Yes, unless another will is uncovered.”
“Another will?” Carson Drew inquired innocently. “Then you believe Crowley made a second one?”
Mr. Rolsted hesitated as though uncertain whether or not he should divulge additional information, and then with a quick glance about, lowered his voice.
“Of course, I wouldn’t want this to get out,” he began doubtfully.
“You may trust Nancy not to repeat,” Mr. Drew observed, guessing what was in the lawyer’s mind. “I’ve found that out by experience,” and Carson Drew smiled upon his daughter.
“Then I will say this much—it would not surprise me if another will should come to light. The Tophams treated Crowley most unkindly after he had made his will in their favor. About a year ago Crowley came to my office and told me that he wanted to draw up a new will. He indicated that he intended to cut the Tophams off without a cent. He expressed a desire to write the will himself, and asked me a number of questions. I told him exactly how to proceed. When he left my office he promised that he would have me look over the document when he had drawn it up.”
“Then you actually saw the will?” Mr. Drew asked in surprise.
“No, strange to say, Crowley never came back. I don’t know whether he drew up the will or not.”