Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1857-06-25
THURSDAY, JUNE rs, 1857.

ter.
Il am really indebted to you.' he said,
with a bland smile; should il prove true
that there is defect, shall have quite a
wind(all; and it could not have reached me
in a 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 him, in a tone Of cruel exuIration
as he left the presence Of Mr.. Earl.
Through much self-denial and hard
labor, continued through many years, had
Mr.. Lee been able 10 provide modest
homestead, for his family. lie had been
the more anxious to accomplish this, from
the fact, that declining health warned him
of the approach of day-how speedily
ii might arrive, he knew not-when the
beloved ones who leaned OH him so conf
dinghy, would have none 10 care for them
If he could secure a home, into which they
might cluster together, he felt that much
would be gained. And this he had accom-
plished but the effort cost him 100 dearly
He had taxed his physical system to an
extent that produced a serious reaction;
though he secured dwelling for his fam
lily, he permanently weakened his cons j.
tuli0G.
One day, in making a sudden effort, he
ruplured a blood vessel, and was taken
home in dangerous condition. This was
The very day that Jason Elder made tie
unfortunate discovery of defect in the
title of his properly. Little dteamed 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 d movement on
foot 10 deprive them of their Iiule patri-
mony. And well for him was it that tie
veil of ignorance was before his eyes; for,
had he known Of the threatened danger,
the knowledge would surely have cost him
his life.
On the day following, gentleman called
at the house Of Mr.. Lee, TO notify him that
proceedings were about being Instituted for
the purpose of testing the validity Of his
title; but learning that he was dangerously
i'll, he went 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 interest, 10 see the ultimate
effect of the blow he had struck. There
were times when, in measure, he repent
ed OF what he had done. But the repen-
tance was not very deep; and his ijI-wllI
towards Mr.. Lee soon oblitcrated all tra-
ces thereof.
On the third day Elder received a brief
note from Mr.. Earl, desiring him to call
at. his office, as he wished to see him on
particular business. There was some
thing in This note that affected Mr. Elder
unpIeasantly. What 1t was, however, lie
could not discover, although he read it
over and over again, at least half dozen
times.
Il wonder what he wants with me?' he
said, uneasily, as he started off promptly,
to obey the summons.
sAh, Mr. Elder, I'm glad TO see you
Mr.. Eall smiled, and offered his hand
But there was something wrong in the
smile, and no heart whatever in the pres
sure of his hand
'Pve been investigating that matter you
brought TO my notice. said Mr.. Earl, and
his countenance assumed grave aspect.
'Ah! Have you' Well, sir, did you
not find it as sald!'
There is a flaw, certainly, and very
serious one
Il was sure of it, from what Larkin said.
He's never al fault in matters of this kind
you aimed a heavy blow at Mr.. Lee,
nv friend,' said Mr.. Earl. There was
quick change in his manner, followed by
pause. Then he added
But it passed him unframed, and struck
anotherp
Who inquired Elder.
sYourselG' was the startling response.
Me! | do not understand you Mr..
Earl' The countenance of Jason Elder
had become suddenly oversrread with
alarm.
Mr.. Lees title is perfectly good"
1T is?'
yes. But-yours is defectivep