Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1853-04-14

u DIanu SInlle; 'SnOulu IL prove uuU uiut tnefe
is defect, shall have quite wlndtall 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 rb," said Elder to him.
self, in tone of cruel exultation 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 modest homestead for
his family. He had been the moro anxious to
accomplish this, from the fact, that declining
health warned him of the approach of day
how speedily it might arrive, he knew not
when the beloved ones who Learned on him so
confdinsly, would have none to Gre for them.
Ii he could secure a home, into which they
might cluster together, he felt thai much would
be gained. And this he had accomplished; but
the effort cost too dearly. He haa taxed his
physical system TO an extent TIA produced a
serious actonyund, though he y sed a dweil-
ing for his family, he permanently weekend his
constitution.
One day, in making sudden effort, he rup-
tured bloo1.vesse, and was taken home in a
dangerous condition. This was on the very day
that Jason Elder made the unfortunate discovery
of defect in the title of his praecrty. 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 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 ignorance was before
his eyes; for, had he known of the threatened
danger, the knowledge would surely have cost
him bis life.
On the day following, gentleman called at
the house of Mr. Lee, to notify him that pro-
ceedings were about being instituted for the
purpo1e of testing the validity of his title but
learning that he was dangerously i'll, he wen,
away without 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 some ia- :
terest to see the ultimate effect of the blow he
had struck. There were times when, in mea
sure, he repented of what he had done. But the
repentance was not very deep and his il-wlll
towards Mr.. Lee soon oblitetated all traces
thereof.
On the third day Elder received brief note
from Mr.. Earl, desiring him to call at his office
as he wished to see him on particular business.
There was something in this note that affected
Mr.. Elder unpeasantly. Whatit was, however,
he could not discover, although he read il over
and over again, at least half dozen times.
81 wonder what he wants with me 20 be said
uneasily, as he started off promptly, to obey the
summons.
''Aa 'as-, Elder rn g's ~ sear Nc
Earl smiled and offered his hand. But there
was something wrong in the smile, and no heart
whatever in the pressure of his hand.
"Pve been investigating that matter you
brought to my notice." said Mr.. Earl, and his
countenance assumed a grave aspect.
"Ah! Have you? We'll, sir, did you not
find it as said?"
"There s flaw, certainly and very seri-
GUS one."
81 was sure of it, from what Larkin said
He's never at fault in matters of this kind"
"You aimed heavy blow at Mr.. Lee, my
friend" said Mr.. Earl. There was quick change
in his manner, followed by pause. Then he
added
"But it passed him unframed, and struck
another"
"Who?" eagerly inquired Elder.
"Yourself !" was the startling response.
"Me I do not understand you. Mr.. Earl! -
The countenance of Jason Elder had become
oyerspread with alarm.
"Mr. Lees title is perfectly good"
at tis?"
"Yes. But-yours is defective !"
Impossible -" exclaimed Elder, turning very
pale.
"Not at all. Mr. Larkin is rarely at fault in
matters of this kind. He knew there was flaw
somewhere in the property that once belonged
to my unce's estate, but erred IN this instance
Mr.. Lee is safe but your titleis not worth q
copper. am much obliged to you for hunting
up this windfali for mel should hardly come
across it myself; and in consideration thereof
will deal with you as lenientlyas possible. d
course, do not expect you to'ake my word ir
f regard to the flaw. Its existence, however, will
lawyer, and ask him to call on me. In the mean
, time, will say that, for various reasons, | an
/: ready to compromise. / dent seh to encounter
the vexatlons, delays and expcuse of legal pro
ceedngs ; and, therefore, if you are disposed t.
meet me amlcably, will not ba too exacting
} In word, then, have in my own mind the sun
for which will execute quit claim to the pro
3 perty. That sum is FIVE hundred dollars.
: Jason Elder greaned aloud.
. "If my claim to the propeHyis good-and
know it to be-" resumed Mr.. Earl II can recoye
three times that sum. If you compromise, | viii
r act in spirit of great moderation. But if yo,
compel me to resort to law, will take all .h
? law awards"
Poor Jacob Elder! The blow was heav,
one, and it staggered him. A careful examina
/, ton by his lawyer only proved the assertion O
n Mr.. Earl. His little to the property was ne
worth dollar. Glad enough was he to accep
t the proffered compromise. though at the c.ea
Il loss of over five hundred dollars
e Well for Mr.. Lee was it, that the blow uime
It with such bitter malignty, did not execute tn
c will Of him by whom it was givep. The conse
quence would, to all human Ioresight, hav
k proved fatal. Not until he was sufficiently re
H.