The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-01-24


One o'clock that afternoon was the time
appointed for the reading Of the will in tho
presence OF the Eltons and the two clerk who
had witnessed It. Dixon read in slow,
solemn tone what he cmphatically asserted to
be the last will and testament Of Gcrvase
Elton.
TO my dearly beloved wife. Mary Elton,
who has been willing and able helpmate,
and ha, for thirty-three yeas shared with
me the joys and sorrows OF life, leave ono
third'of my whole personal property, which,
after her deccase, is to descend to my elder
son Thomas.
In view Of the fact that my youngest son
Harry has an uncle, worthy and Wealthy
bachelor Of position and influence, who for
years had regarded him in the light ola son,
and has frequently declared his intention of
making him his heir, | have deemed 1t un
necessary to make further provision for him
than to bequcath to him few mementocs Of
respect and affection, namely, George tho
Third guinea, the first l ever earned, which
is to bo found in the upper drawer Of
my old red chest, sewed up in the top of n
blue stocking; the sword and equipments
belonging to my deceased brother John, and
worn by him on tho field of Waterloo; the
silver teapot and twelve silver spoons, the
dying gift Of my grandmother and the old
family Bible. To bestow upon him these
precious relics Of the past is the strongest
proof Of affection | can give.
TO my elder son Thomas. as no has no
expectation to rely upon, give and bequeath
the remainder Of my personal estate, my
bank and railroad stock, furniture, wine,
plate, and all and every other chattels what.
soever. II my sons require that my body
shall rest quietly in tho grave, let there be
no strife or contention in regard to the settle
mcnt of my affairs. Let my wishes be exc.
cuted to tho letter; otherwise my grieved
spirit shall haunt and harass them till the
day of their DEATH
A silence still as midnight followed the
reading dissatisfaction WIS expressed on
every countenance, and murmur Of discon.
tent and doubt ran round the assembled COM
pany.
Would you like to see the will? politely
asked Dixon, as no handed it to Harry, who
was standing leaning against tho mantcl.
shelf, silent and motionless as a statue.
My father never made that will, SIR he
said, calmly and composedly, rs ho fixed his
clear blue eye full upon the lawyers face.
DO you mean to insinuate doubt as to
its genuineness p asked Dixon. his lips quver.
ing with ngc as he spoke.
NO, l insinuate nothing said Harry !;
for insinuations are unnecessary. 1t sa
bold faced scheme Of fraud and knaycry, got
up by villains and ruscals to deprive me Of
my lawful rights. But 1t shall be defeated
Sir, it shall go before judge and jury. My
fathers sentiments shall DO know
Not so fast, young man, interrupted
Dixon, with tho blandest smile possible
.Averse as your father always was to the
making of his will yet u short time previous
to his death certain events occurred to pro-
duce an entire alteration in his views on the
subject. 'IIear me- he exclaimed, seeing
Harry about to speak. Just nine weeks be-
fore his death he camO to my Office. A deep
seated gloom had settled on his eountenancc,
and his soul, ho said, was oppressed with
sorrow.
Friend Dixon he began, my end is ap-
preaching. have been warned Of it by raps
and dreams and unmistakablc signs
Pooh = said I; 'don't give way to idle
fears. You're hale and healthy as am. and
likely to live these dozen years.
He shook his head mournfully. Death
has sent his forerunner to warn me OF my
approaching end, and something tells me,
he added. laying his hand upon his heart,
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