Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1853-06-23

stance his enemy had sought 10 do hin
injury, but the poisoned arrows flung
from his bow had flown harmlessly
by him.
One day, while in conversation will
one Of those idle. gossipping individuals
who give more attention to other people.
business than they do to their own, the
latter said, in responding to some H.
nalured remark uttered against Mr.. Lee
Il learned a fact yesterday that, may be-
you may like to hear p
About that Lee eagerly inquired
Elder.
Yes, or I might better say about the
ground on which he has built that snug
little house,
Indeed ! our gentleman was all alive
now, and commenced rubbing lis hands
in delighted expectation. what about
the ground p
Title Detective was the laconic
answer.
mo!
Fact, had it from old Larkin ard
rather think he ought TO know something
about it,
well, that is news Got bad title,
Ell? l wonder who's on the hip now,
Mr.. Martin Lee 2
But surely. Mr.. Elder said his in
fo'mant, you will not take advantage
of this information to iniure our friend
Lee
Wont I. indeed ! Wait and see. /,
| do not deal him a staggering blow. my
name is not Jason EIder-thaL's all.
always said Id bide my time. Ha, ha
a flaw in his title. But that's Just biz
way of doing business. Id like 10 see
any one pick flaw in mine.
True 10 the evil purpose declared
Elder took the first OF porrunity to search
out the party 70 whom the p,ope,t,
owned by Lee would revert in case de
feet really did exist in his title. and com
munica'ed the fact alleged. This indi
vidual, whose name was Earl, seemed al
first inc'edulous but when La,kn wa.
mentioned as authority. seemed 10 feel
quite an interest in the matter.
Il am really indebted to YOU he said
with bland smile should it prove tru,
that there is defect should have quite
a windfall and it could not have reached
me in better timo. shall have the mat
ter investigated a. once.' =
THAT blow will tell hard, surei, J
have planted it below the fifth rib, sale
Elder TO himself in a tone of cruel ex>
ula,ion as he left the presence of Mr.
Eall.
Through much selfdenlal and hard
labor, continued through many years.
had Mr.. Lee been able to provide u mod
est homestead for his family. He had
been the more anxious to accomplish tLi>
from the fact tina, declining health warn.
ed him of the approach Of a day-how
speedily it might arrive he knew moi
when the beloved ones who leaned on
him SO con6dingly. would have none to
care for them. If he could secure q
home. into which they might cluster
together, he felt that much would be
gained. And ibis he had accomplished,
but the effort cost too dearly. He had
taxed his physical system to an extent
that produced serious Reaction; and
though he secured dwelling for his
family, lie permanently weakened his
constitution.
One day in making a sudden effort, he
rupiured a blood vessel, and was taken
home IN dangerous condition. This was
on the very day That Jason Elder made
the unfortunate discovery of defect in
the title of his property. Little dreamed
he, as with death knocking at his door he
found consolation in the thought that his
family. even if he were taken from them.
would not be left without home--that
IL. the very time. there was movement
on foot to deprive them of their pat'imo~
nv. And well was it that the veil Of
ignorance was Before his eyes for had
he known the threatened danger, the
knowledge would surely have cost him
his life.
On the day following. a gentleman
called at the house Of Mr.. Lee to notify
nim that proceedings were about being
Instituted for the purpose OF testing the
validity of his title; on learning that he
WAS dangerously III, he went away with
out leaving any word as TO the purpose
Of his business.
In the meantime, Elder, who had moi
heard Of Mr.. Lees illness. was awaiting
with some interest 10 dee the ultimate
effect Of the blow he had struck. There
were times when. in a measure. he re-
pentrd OF what he had done. But lht
repentance was not very deep. and his ~
will towards Mr.. Lee soon obliteraled al
traces thereof.
On the third day Elder received brie
note from Mr.. Earl. desiring him to cal
a. his Office. There was something II
this note that affected Mr.. Elder uHPleas
anlly. What il was. however, he cou''
not discover. although he read it owe
and over again At leSst halt doze" times
Il wonder what be wants with me Y! b
said uneasily, as he started of promPIl
=. | IN oh.v tina sunnmOna