But there was in Hiram's face that which made him sink back without having spoken.
"Seventh," continued Hiram, "the mills and the cooperage to be continued as now, and not to be sold for at least fifteen years.

If my son Arthur wishes to have employment in them, he is to have it at the proper wages for the work he does.

If at the end of fifteen years he wishes to buy them, he to have the right to buy, that is, my controlling interest in them, provided he can make a cash payment of ten per cent of the then value; and, if he can do that, he is to have ten years in which to complete the payment--or longer, if the trustees think it wise." A long pause; Hiram seemed slowly to relax and collapse like a man stretched on the rack, who ceases to suffer either because the torture is ended or because his nerves mercifully refuse to register any more pain.
"That is all," he said wearily.
Torrey wiped his glasses, put them on, wiped them again, hung them on the hook attached to the lapel of his waistcoat, put them on, studied the paper, then said hesitatingly: "As one of your oldest friends, Hiram, and in view of the surprising nature of the--the--" "I do not wish to discuss it," interrupted Hiram, with that gruff finality of manner which he always used to hide his softness, and which deceived everyone, often even his wife.

"Come back at five o'clock with two witnesses." Torrey rose, his body shifting with his shifting mind as he cast about for an excuse for lingering.

"Very well, Hiram," he finally said.