"
"Does any one appear for Mrs. Burnham in this matter?" inquired the
judge, addressing the assembly of lawyers.
An elderly man, short and thick-set, with gray hair and moustache,
arose, and said:--
"I have been informed, as Mrs. Burnham's attorney, that such a
proceeding as this was in contemplation. I appreciate your Honor's
careful scrutiny of the matter before making an appointment; but, so
long as we do not recognize the boy as Robert Burnham's son, it would
hardly be justifiable for us to interfere in the simple appointment
of a guardian for him. Inasmuch, however, as the avowed purpose is
to make an attack on the Burnham estates, we shall insist that the
guardian enter into a bond of sufficient amount and value to cover any
damages which may accrue from any action he may see fit to take."
"Have you prepared a bond, Mr. Sharpman?" inquired the judge.
"We have," replied Sharpman, producing still another paper.
"Mr. Goodlaw," continued the judge, addressing Mrs. Burnham's
attorney, "will you look at the bond and see if it is satisfactory to
you?"
Mr. Goodlaw took the bond, examined it, and returned it to the clerk.
"I have no objection to make to it," he said.
"Then we will approve the bond, Mr. Sharpman, and make the
appointment. You have named Simon Craft as guardian. We are wholly
unacquainted with him. Have you consulted with the boy in this matter?
What does he say?"
"I have brought the boy into court, so that, notwithstanding his legal
inability to make choice for himself, your Honor might be satisfied as
to his wish in the matter.
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