The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1869-12-09

to her IT you can 20, TO execute the
papers"
"Your mother wishes to make her
will then. does she r
ayes exactly So aud We must 60 Mt
once. | have a carriage at the door
which will soon land US ut the house
aud hope you'll make haste, as she is
very bad 4" 'ts
lie seemed very anxious. aud was ap.
parently much excited, and although |
mechanically replied, "nll right sir"
still | felt for.boding OF evil | had
serious niisgivings, but moments re.
fectiou decided me. was q beginner
iu life; an attorney aud counsellor, &c =,
and here was my first client what right
had | to hesitate FASTENED, and
donning my coat aud hat, was soon
seated beside the stranger in close
carriage, whirlinS along over the pave,
ment. remember that lad Omitted
to ask where his mother resided, and
turning was about to enquire, but his
look deferred me from doing so, and my
mind was full Of imaginary dangers. /
wondered ''if he were madman"-or
some bloody criminal. He was leaning
back with closed eyes, apparently asleep,
aud did not speak once during our ride,
whilst |, in order to shake of my fears,
looked out aud tried to enjoy the pic.
turesque scenery, for by this time we
had reached the open country.
We had ridden perhaps an hour, and
the moon had just risen sufficiently to
light up surrounding objects, when
noticed ahcad of us fine old fashioned
country residence, standing some dis.
-tance fron the roud The carriage
stopped at the gateway leading to the
premises, which aroused my strange
companion, who called out, Drive up
to the house, Re.bcn." The driver.
who was thus addressed, obeyed, aud
upon reaching the dwelling the stran.
ger lcaped lightly out and we passed
into the Hall, where suddenly remem.
bered having left my papers in the car.
riage. turned TO 20 after them, and
as did so, my client started up the
stairway, saying as he departed, Pass
into that room, sir, pointing to parlor.
passed out of the door again, aud
leaning over the edge of the stoop, |
was about to pick up the papers from
the carriage, the door of which was still
open, when, in my haste, one paper
blew from my hand over the steps to
the side OF the house again ascend.
ed and was about to pick it up when |
was rendered spccchless with fright ut
seeing skeleton arm aud hand thrust
through the grating beneath the steps,
aud paper was placed in my hand,
with ash, as though en- joiniug sileuce.
looked again but the hand was gone.
Completely mystifed, | passed into the
house, aud meeting the driver as | Gu
tered, coming out, | crushed the soilcd
paper in my hand and entered the
chamber pointed out to me, which |
found. well furnished, with n FRIGHT,
cheerful fire burning on the hearth.
In a few minutes Tucker entered, and
seeming to notice my nervousness, he
inquired whether would have u cup
Of tea. L declined Good for the
nerves." said he, looking ut.ntly at me.
but wine is better. Here have a glass
of wine"
Iobeyed mechanically, and we chatted
for few minutes more, during which
time | had gathered up my courage
again but as | crushed the crumbled
paper in my hand, aud thought of the
mysterious hand that gave it, my heart
seemed to choke me again | saw
long bouy arm pointing as il were to I
ward Tucker, and | could scarcely re.
frain from an exclamation of horror. |
must have exhibited my nervousness
palmer than ever, for he turned toward
me aud asked it l we're i'll. | quickly
answered: "Oh, no." aud struggling
hard, l said: .4..-'
Whenever you are ready, sir, l will
call on Mrs. Tucker"
He led the way up the winding stair.
way and opened chamber door near
the top Of the first landing, l followed
on tip-toe, for he had warned me that
his mother was very easily disturbed,
Passing in ! found myself in large.
sized chamber, very neatly but not ex.
travagantly furnished. Near window,
looking out upon the lawn, was spa.
cious sideboard, profusely decorated
with ornaments, medicine bottles, glass.
es, &c. A little to the left was large
double bedstead, and by the aid OF the
almost exhausted candle which shed
but little light, l could barely discern
the outlines of woman lying upon it.
My companion called her attention to
my presence, when she seemed to raise
her head with an effort, aud addressing
me, thanked me for being SO prompt.
She informed me she wished to execute
her will, as she felt assured she could
not live for many sours. IL have n
copy already prepared, Of the form |
desire to be made out, showing how |
desire my estate disposed Of; and pray
you" she added, ITO follow the proyi.
sions Of this paper very careiuliy."--I
She then handed me folded paper, |
aud | hastily glanced at the contents. |
Her estate consisting of property worth |
many thousands of dollars, was to be
equally divided between her son "Al. |
bert" and her sister, Martha Page.--
Across tho back, in large hand, was
written aMaty r. Tucker i folded |
il up aud assured her Of my willingness |
IN regard her Wis hes Il, ,,s,,, ,,....s.st.-i |