The temptation was big, but I
held my own, and now I've no fear of meeting anyone in Heaven or Hell.
I've told you all. . . .
"Not quite all. There's one thing more. The thought of Junia Shale made
me want to burn the second will, and I almost did it; but I'm glad I
didn't."
"If you had, and had married her, you wouldn't have been happy. You can't
be fooling a wife and be safe."
"I guess I know that--just in time. . . . I have a bad heart, Carnac.
Your property came to me against my will through your father, but I
wanted the girl you're going to marry, and against my will you won her. I
fought for her. I thought there was a chance for me, because of the
rumour you were secretly married--"
"I'll tell you about it, Tarboe, now. It was an ugly business." And he
told in a dozen sentences the story of Luzanne and the false marriage.
When he had finished, Tarboe held out his hand. "It was a close shave,
Carnac."
After a few further remarks, Tarboe said: "I thought there was a chance
for me with Junia Shale, but there never was a real one, for she was
yours from a child. You won her fairly, Carnac. If you'll come to the
office to-morrow morning, I'll show you the will."
"You'll show me the will?" asked Carnac with an edge to his tone.
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