The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1853-03-31


was mentioned as authority, seemed to
feel quite an interest in the matter.
81 am really indebted to you" be
said, with a bland smile, should j
prove true that there is defect shall
have quite windfall and it could not
have reached me in better time
will have the matter investigated at
once"
"That blow will tell hard surely. /
have planted it below the fifth rib" said
Elder to himself, in tone of cruel ex-
ultation, as he left the presence of Mr..
Earl.
Through much self-denial and hard
labor, continued through many years,
had Mr.. Lee been able to provide a
modest homestead for his family. He
had been the more anxious to accomplish
this, from the fact that declining health
warned him of the approach of a day
how speedily it might arrive he knew
not-when the loved ones who leaned
on him SO confdingly would have none
to care for them. If he could secure a
home, into which they might cluster to-
gcther, he felt that much might be
gained. And this he had accom- plished :
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, he permanently weakened his
constitution.
One day, in making a sudden effort,
he ruptured 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 knock
ing at his door, he found consolation in
the thought his family, even if he were
taken from them, would not be left with
out home; that at the very time,
there was movement on foot to deprive
them of their little patrimony. And
well for him was it that the veil of igno-
rance was before his eyes; for, had he
known of the threatened danger, the
knowledge would surely have cost MIN
bis life.
On the day following, gentleman
called at the house of Mr. Lee, to notify
him that proceedings were about to b.
instituted for the purpose of testing the
validity Of his title; but learning that he
was dangerously i'll, he went away with
out leaving any word as to the purport
of his business.
In the meantime, Elder, who had not
heard of Mr.. Lees illness, was awaiting,
with sole interest, tn see the ultimate
effect of the blow be had struck Thnreo
wo.s .imcs wnen, IN measure, he re-
pented Of what lie had done. But the
repentance was not very deep; and his
ill-will towards Mr.. Lee soon obliterated
all traces thereof.
On the third day Elder received a
brief note from Mr.. Earl, desiring him
on particular business. There was
in this note that affected Mr. |
Elder unpleasantly. What it was, how
ever, he could not discover, although he
read it over and over again, at least
half dozen times
i" l wonder what he wants with me 7"
he said, uneasily, as he started off
promptly to obey the summons.
"Ah, Mr.. Elder I'm glad to see
you" Mr.. Earl smiled, and offered his
hand. But there was something wrong
;;a tho smile, and no hear! whatever in
the pressure of his hand,
"I've been investigating the matter
you brought to my notice I; said Mr..
Earl, and his countenance assumed
grave aspect.
"Ah! Have you Well, sir, did
you find it as I said 7"
"There is a flaw, certainly, and
very serious one."
"I was sure Of it, from what Larkin
said. He's never at fault in matters of
this kind"
You aimed a heavy blow at Mr..
Lee, my friend," said Mr.. Earl. There
was quick change in his manner, fol-
lowed by pause. Then he added:
But it passed him uharmed, and
struck another %
"wLo" eagerly inquired Elder.
Yourself !" was the startling re-
sponse.
"Me! I do not understand you, Mr..
Earl ~ The couutenance Of Jason
Elder had become suddenly overspread
With alarm.
"Mr. Lees title is perfectly good"
"Itisln n tr
Yes. But-yoursi is defective ~ II