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Woodard,” the old man explained. “Too far for Jim Shaw to go. Tom Kennering friend of Jacob Smith and visit Jacob Smith in mountain cabin. Jim Shaw visit there.”
    â€œYou’d think Mandie’s father would have asked my father to witness the will, or at least have told him about drawing one up, since they had known each other way back when they both lived in Macon County,” Joe said.
    â€œNo, he probably didn’t let your father know any of his business because he knew your father was still in touch with all of us now and then. And remember, he moved out here to break all connections with his family,” John Shaw reminded him.
    â€œYou’re absolutely right, John,” Dr. Woodard agreed. “We saw very little of him after he moved here.”
    John Shaw turned back to Uncle Ned and said, “Looks like we’ve got a problem. If we could have found even one of those men, it would have helped matters.”
    Uncle Ned frowned for a moment and then he said, “I send braves to Tennessee. Find friends of Tom Kennering.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea, Uncle Ned,” John Shaw told him. “If we could find friends of Tom Kennering, it’s possible they would have also known Jacob Smith and just might know where he moved.”
    Uncle Ned stood up as he said, “I go now. Start braves on journey.”
    Mandie rose and went to clasp his hand as she asked, “Are you coming back here?”
    Uncle Ned patted her blond head and said, “Be back tonight. I not go to Tennessee. I send braves to Tennessee.”
    â€œI appreciate this, Uncle Ned,” John Shaw said as he also stood up.
    â€œJim Shaw my friend,” the old man said sadly. “I promise Jim Shaw I take care of Papoose. This will belongs to Papoose and she need help. Now I go. Back before time to sleep.” He gave Mandie’s hand a hard squeeze and turned to leave the room.
    â€œPlease hurry back,” Mandie called after him as he stepped into the hallway.
    Everyone sat back down to discuss this new development in the situation.
    â€œI will probably be able to get the judge to give me some time tofind the will,” John Shaw told Mrs. Taft. “I have no idea how much time, or whether you want to stay around after we see him tomorrow.”
    â€œOf course I’ll be around, John, as long as it’s necessary, that is, until this matter is settled,” Mrs. Taft replied.
    â€œWill I be able to stay home and continue looking for the will?” Mandie asked as she looked from her grandmother to her uncle.
    â€œI told Miss Prudence we might be gone all this week because we weren’t sure how long all this would take,” Mrs. Taft told her.
    â€œThings are so uncertain right now,” John Shaw told her. “We’ll probably go home after the hearing tomorrow and then have to wait and see if Uncle Ned’s friends turn up any information for us. I don’t see much sense in sending you back to school in Asheville and then maybe having to bring you home again the next day.”
    Joe looked at his father and said, “How about me, Dad?”
    Dr. Woodard thought for a moment and said, “We’ll just have to wait and see, like John just said. But since you were with Miss Amanda when she found the will, I know we’ll need to have you present at the hearing and any other proceedings. I don’t suppose it would hurt you to miss a few days of school.”
    Joe grinned and said, “Thanks, Dad.”
    Mrs. Miller came to the parlor door to tell Mrs. Woodard she had coffee ready. “Shall I bring it in here, or do y’all plan on sitting at the table?” she asked.
    â€œIf we drink it in here, then we won’t be in your way about fixing supper,” Mrs. Woodard told her.
    â€œI’ll be right back then,” Mrs. Miller told her as she disappeared back down the hallway.
    â€œCoffee! Just what I need, with a slice