Mountain Democrat., 1857-04-11
Oar NIml0l's Story.

80 DIoNH, YOU tClI INC, HdS Dccn ap"
pointed executor to Smiths will, said our
Major the other day, as we were lounging
together against the INV wall that divides
Carlisle Terrace from the beach. I'll
Venture to say the trusts committed to
him won't he as strange as mine were the
first time | was made executor.
Some years since | received letter
from my old friend and comradc Ellis, of
-tfi, telling me that his health had been
for some time dccinng-that he was
about making his will, and earnestly de-
string that | would consent to act as his
sole cXccutor-thcrc being, he added, a
trust Of some importance to be undcrta-
ken, which wish TO conide to no one
but yourself The letter concluded with
a cordial invitation to pay him visit at
the snug cottage in Dcvonshire, to which
he had retired. Now, Ellis was Ike N.Y.
sclf-an old bachelor; and, except his
half pay, was, knew, but little burdcncd
with this worlds baggage and accoutre-
ments, so it never occurred to me that
the trust was to undertake could possi-
bly, relate to anything more important
than the bcstowal of lcgacics on his old
housckceper and butler, or his almost
equally antiquatcd cat and dog. wrote
Immediately to accept the invitation, and
carly the next morning l deposited my
self and my portmanteau in the E.
coach, which, after days travelling, left
me atmy friends abode. He was him
self standing at the garden wicket, ready
to give me cordial welcome. There
was nothing very death like in the clear,
bright glance Of his eye, or in the firm
grasp OF his hand and l wondered in
ternally what the missivc he had sent me
could possibly mean. However, kept
my thoughts to myself and followed Ellis
into his neat little dining room, where
the snowy table-cloth was speedily and
satisfactorily covered with a bountiful re-
pest Ample justice was done to the
fare b. myself, and despite his mortuary
intention. by mine host also. After din
ner he produced capital bottle of port,
over which we discussed many of our for
mer campaigning adventures.
Notwithstanding the iineness of the
weather lit was the beginning of Junc)
l had caught slight cold on MY journey,
which, towards the close of the evening,
made itself felt in the very unpleasant
form Of toothache and the pain becom.
ing worse l said to my host, | think
must ask your housckeeper tonight for
some flannel and camphoratcd spirits to
apply to my unfortunate jaw. You, hap
py fellow, can't know what toothache is;
your teeth look all so good. 3D.,
Teeth! cried my host. his countenance
changing-Teeth! he repeated, shudder-
ing; All! you little know-you can't
tell
What's the matter, Ellis; what do you
mean!
lmean that tooth, an unfortunate
tooth, has been my ruin, and will cost
me my life and rising from his chair he
paced up and down the room in a state
of the most violent agitation. Greatly
astonishcd, | tried of course to soothe
him, and induce him to reveal tho cause
of this strange excitement. Well, he
said at last, l will read for you the will to
which you have kindly promised to be.
come executor. had made no promise
of the Kind, but my poor friend took it
for granted l had done so; and leaving
the room, he speedily returned with a
folded paper in one hand, and very
small round box in the other.
Laying those articles on the table, he
seated himself in his armchair, pushed
aside his glass, and, making strong ef.
fort to speak calmly, began: About two
months since had occasion to visit the
town of T. on business, which having
speedily despatched, dincd at the hotel,
and afterwards set out for a stroll.
passed through the High street, and
walked for some way along the turnpike
road without meeting any object of inter
est whatever. a shady lane opening on
my right, invited ME to turn into it--thC
fragrant hawthorn in the hedge, and the
cool fresh grass below, offering pleasant
contrast to the hard, dusty road on which
had been walking. soon found that
this quiet lane led to a still more quiet
and peaceful churchyard and threading
nv way among the rustic grsves and rude