"But, Mr. Carter," spoke up the coroner, "I don't understand what value as evidence against Mannion these copies of the will possess. They are evidently not copies made by James Playfair, for they would not have been found in the possession of a Russian criminal, an utter stranger to the old man. Looking upon them, then, as having been written by another man, Arthur Mannion, say, they reveal nothing more than a silly propensity to build castles in the air. If a will, worded as these copies are, should, however, be produced by the executor as a genuine instrument, or, what purports to be one, and which was found among Playfair's possessions, then I could see some point to your contention." The coroner paused. Nick, who had listened quietly and with an impassive face, replied: "I think I can satisfy your scruples. Will you kindly step to the phone, call up Jackson Feversham, and ask him to step around here? His office is not far away, and if he is in he will be with us in a few minutes." Feversham was in his office, and five minutes later made his appearance. He was asked by Nick if any will had been found. "Yes," was the answer. "To whom is the property devised?" "To me, that is, the larger portion of it. Playfair had no relatives. He was an only child, and so was his father." "What is the date of the will?" "October seventh of last year." "Where did you find it?" "Among his papers, in his room." "Had he a deposit box in any bank?" "Yes." "Have you examined that?" "No. I haven't found the key, and I have concluded to procure an order of court before having the lock forced." "You are the executor under the will made in October, are you not?" "I am." Having been informed by the chief of detectives that court was then in session, Nick proposed that Feversham go at once to the judge, state the exigency of the case and obtain an order for the opening of the box. "The court can act under the assumption that there is only one will in existence, the one which is in your possession. Of course," Nick went on, "the time is too short for the institution of regular proceedings; but under the circumstances the court may appoint you special administrator, and in that capacity you can go ahead." "Yes. I think it can be done," returned Feversham, "and I'll make the attempt at once. I sha'n't be gone long. Will you wait here, or shall we arrange for another meeting?" "If there is no objection," said the coroner, "we will wait." Feversham, on account of his long residence in Washington, and his high character as a citizen and as a man, had no difficulty in procuring the temporary appointment from the court. A locksmith was found, and in less than an hour after his departure from the room which held the officers he reappeared with a bulky envelope in his hand.