Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1860-03-29
Jnttresting gtorl!
DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND;
THE HIDDEN TREASURE.
By CARL cANTAB.


merous class who are honest, not on
principle, hut because law and regard
to expedency recommend it. Every one
knows, however. that it is quite possible
that opportunity may occur in the lie cf
every man for defrauding others without
rendering himself liable.
Such an opportunity cAnie-to William
Gaspar. 10 explain how this happened,
we must cast glance backward.
William and his brother Edward, two
years younger, had been brought up by
an uncle, well TO do in the world, who,
on their respectively reaching their ma
jority, had started them both in business.
Edward was very different from his
brother. While the latter was shrewd,
cautious and calculating, not to say grasp
ing aud avaricious, the former was open
and generous, social and general favor
lite.
These qualities, amiable enough in
themselves, retarded his worldly success,
aud led to some youthful in scfetions.
though nothing criminal viii alienatcd
his uncle for time, and ind "a him to
draw up will, bequealhinasgsis whole
pfopertyto William, instead ARdivid,ng
it equally ..betH cen the two, ne had
intended.
Edward soon saw LIN bis
course and succeeded his
uncles favor. Sull the W aimed
as before. The old gentleman 4 fully
decided to alter it, but yieId%s to his
habit of procrastlna.ion, he kept delay
ing to do so till it was too late. 4 He was
6naty seized with an attack of Paralysis,
which deprived him Of the use oFhis arms,
and in a lew hours brought him to the
grave. During this time. however, he
found speech to say to William, (both
brothers standing al the bedsde)--
/" | fully intended TO alter my will, so
that Edward should share equally with
yourself in my property, but il is too late
now am too weak. l rely upon you
to see my intentions carried out"
Do not feel at all troubled" said
William. You may fully depend upon
my doing what is right"
The ODD gentleman soon after died, and
Eothing more was SAID about business till
the Viii was read.
The uncIe's property consisted of his
house aud furniture, and ten thousand
dollars in money-the house might be
worth two thousand dollars. The fur
nilure was old fashioned aud worth little.
On the same day that the will was
read William said TO his brolher:-
Edward, | promised my uucle to do
what was right 10y you, though Of course
the property is mine, uncouditionaliy, SO
that | am not Obliged to do SO. will
tell you what propose: | Will make over
to you my uncle 8 house aud furniture toi
your share.
But, saId Edward in dismay, 'that
is only one fifth Of the whole.
More than that; but even if it were
only that, " that then? Am | compelled
to give you anythlng?"
Not by law, certainly; but you know
my uncle declared on his death bed, that
he intended we should share the property
equally. You surely have moi forgotten.
Ii he Intended It, he ought to have
made will to that effect"
Bat you know procrastination was
the only reason Tor not doing So"
Am TO b'ame for that ~
No; but at least, you can abstain
from taking advantage of it,
v Inch l don't choose to do. The
whole is niue, as It stands. Iconsider
that am acting generous part IN max
ling over to you The house and furniture
While you retain the lions share,
added Edward, bitterly.
Well, do you accept il r"
. i have no alternative. ] feel that
am in your power"
(" Very well then. ! have had the pa
pers already drawn up, conveying The
property TO you. Here they are"
Edward took them, and went away
with a bitter feeling Of injury in hi
heart. In his disappointment, he called
GU Squire Homans. an influential person
in the village, aud near FREUD Of biz
deceased uncle. To him hesdetliled hi
brothers Conduct in relation 30 the divi
slon OF the property.
+" Did he understand your nncle's inten
tons in this matter Z" inquired tn,
Squire.
: Fully. He admits that he did, bu
alleges baat he is not bound BY law t.
give me anything; aud eyen--if yol
can conceiye.of lt---nakes a generous &C
of the paltry fifth which be does actual.
surrender. s s.s f~.f.
Why. this is infamous-tho roughl.
sdishonorabte," aud tho old gentleman
striking his cane upon the floor with EN-
phasis. = could not have conceive,
| your brother capable Of such aag@n