"Mary Bransford wouldn't have any claim--us havin' proof that she ain't a Bransford." "This fellow is no fool," declared Silverthorn.

"Suppose he's wise to us, which he might be, and he has willed the property to the girl.
Where would we be, not being able to prove that he isn't Will Bransford ?" Dale meditated.

Then he made a wry face.

"That's right," he finally admitted.

He made a gesture of futility.