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Stevenson, Burton Egbert, 1872-1962

"The Gloved Hand"

But at the end of a few minutes
I had mastered it. The provisions of the will were simple: Elmhurst
and the sum of one million dollars in negotiable securities were left
absolutely to "my dear and revered Master, Francisco Silva, Priest of
the Third Circle of Siva, and Yogi of the Ninth Degree, to whom I owe
my soul's salvation," the bequest to be used for the purpose of
founding a monastery for the study of the doctrines of Saivaism, and
as an asylum for all true believers. The remainder of his estate was
left absolutely to his daughter, to dispose of as she saw fit. "It is,
however, my earnest wish", the will concluded, "that my daughter
Marjorie should enter upon the Way, and accept the high destiny which
the Master offers her as a Priestess of our Great Lord. May the
All-Seeing One guide her steps aright!"
There was a moment's silence as I finished; then I glanced at Miss
Vaughan. Her eyes were fixed; her face was rapt and shining.
She felt my gaze upon her, and turned to face me.
"As your attorney, Miss Vaughan," I said, "it is my duty to advise you
that this will would probably not hold in law. I think it would be
comparatively easy to convince any court that your father was not of
sound mind when he drew it.


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