The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1857-10-05

Llclildllll, oPpoSlCc Olle OH CaJncural. -
The name was unfamiliar to me, and af- |
forded no clue to any certainty. An I'M
deinable idea had taken possession of me
that this Lienlann was in some way con-
nected with my destiny. 1t did not seem
like the offspring of a specializing brain,
but true observation-disclosures and I'M
certain, but coming with such force that
| doubted not for an instant that his be-
ing was to effect mine in some way yet to
be disclosed.
The history of my life seemed to con-
firm this belief. My native village was
Cannes, in France. OF my parents, ] had
not the slightest recollection, for they
were carried off by prevailing epidemic
when | was but two years of age. | was
then adopted by an unkle, the richest per-
son in the vicinity, who had conceived a
strong attachment for me, and who, | re-
member it distinctly, often told me that [
should be his heir. His affection for me
increased as | advanced in age, and | be-
ing the only person upon the earth for
whom he had any great regard, soon
came to a proper knowledge of his kind
ness. His domains were vast in extent,
stretching over many leagues of forest
and meadow, besides which it was COM
monty reported that his wealth in solid
coin was great. My education was care
fully attended to, and everything was
done for me by him. He had but one re-
lation beside myself; he was also his
al rI, | h0I
never seen him. My uncle said very lit
tie concerning him, but l well knew that
for some crime he was banished from the
house, and that he was often supplied
with money by my benefactor. He was
spoken of as about ten years older than
myself, and possessing an evil DISPOSE
ton.
Very pleasant were the eighteen years
that lived with my uncle at his country
seat in Cannes, seeing little of the world
and caring less. For what had to gain
by wandering, while such content was
mine beneath his roof-tree? My highest
desire was to stay with him and be the
comfort of his declining years; but this
was denied One pleasant spring morn
ing. he was found dead in his bed. His
appearance was awful, for his features
were contracted with an expression of
agony, and a white froth had issued from
his mouth. | knew instantly that he had
been poisoned, and though shocked be-
You'd measure, | set earnestly to work to
find the assassin. But it was in vain
not the least trace could be discovered
True, the servant had heard unusual
noises the night before in his room, and | |
myself had heard a horse galloping away
down the road at midnight, but the rest |
was all conjecture. My suspicious rested |
on the unknown cousin, but it was only
suspicion, unsupported by proof.
| performed the last offices of love to
my uncle, and many were the friends |
from all quarters that gathered about |
was his last home on earth, for he widely !
known and loved. His mysterious fate
was the subject of general horror and sur
prise; but, as have said, no traces of his |
murderer were discovered. His body had |
laid in the tomb several days before l
thought oflooking for will. I had new
er mentioned the subject to Tim, but |
had no doubt that he had made his last
will in favor of me; indeed, l had no sus-
picion otherwise after he had said so many
times that should be his heir. What
was then my surprze, upon looking over
his private papers, to find no such instru-
ment whatever! My establishment was
increased, as l looked further, for l found
that the lock to certain drawer had been
forcibly burst off, and its contents were
scattered about in confusion.
My thoughts instinctively wandered
back to that fatal night when the noise
had been heard in my uncles room, sue
ceedcd by the galloping away of a horse.
Then | saw the whole, the william
nephew in the dead of night had entered |
the house, killed its owner, stolen his will,
and made his escape. The magnitude of |
the discovery overwhelmed Inc. That
this unknown cousin had formed plot to
wrest from me the wealth which was
rightfully mine, | had no doubt; but l
could not see how it was to be done, unless
by a forged will, and if any such scheme
should be started, resolved to do my ut
most to Illustrate it. But my doubts were
all solved in few days after. for a notary |
called upon me and displayed document
headed, "The last will and testament of |
Jaques Delcroix, made April 2lst, 1872"
in which all his property, both landed !
and personal, was bequeathed 10 = !
nephew, Wilhelm Strauss. /
| knew that this will was no forgery. ! !
could have sworn to the signature Of my /
uncle which was attached to it. Beside
which, were the all tographs of several
witnesses whom knew to be persons of
honor, all of whom were still living, and
it was executed one year before | was
adopted by my uncle. Inow saw every
thing clearly. My cousin (how | hated
the name! had discorered the existence
of a subsequent will made in my favor,