The post. [volume] (Middleburg, Snyder County, Pa.) 1864-1883, 1870-04-07

] tickets.
When we reached the theatre, the
performances had rlready begun; but
we succeeded 10 finding seats which
commanded fair view both of the
stage ani the audience.
In u few moments George touched
my elbow.
Observe the gentleman nearly cppo-
site, in the front oi the parqucttc, seated
next the column, leaning his arm on
his cane" he whispered.
| looked in the direction indicated
aud saw face whose striking rcscm-
blance To one | had seen before caused
me to sta't wi h surprise.
"Who is IL " | asked.
"Eldridsc Parsons" was the reply
"Thc nephew OF whom you spoke =
The same" my iriapd answered.
Does he resemble his uncle?' was
on the point of inquiriDg. but just then
the stranger drew the glove from hi'
right hand, and | saw that the first
joint OF the middle finger was wanting
a circumstance which, for sufficient
reason, absorbed my attention.
do you know the exact date of Mr.
Parsons death Z" asked, when we had
rcgainrd the street at the close Of the
performance.
Yes" said George it was the
23l OF December. Ills daughter re-
ccived telegram from her cousin an
nouncing the fact the same day. But
why do you ask ~
Il havca reason which may or may
not prove good one returned
and sIatin. that had business en-
cagrmcnts for the whole or the next
lay. parted with my friend, proms-
ing to meet him on the following even
| ing.
Next afternoon found me nj the
Office OF DR.. Parsons.
DIR. Parsons. presume 2" were
the words with which | acciust'd the
Gentlemen had seen ut the thoa,ic.
Yes sir.
"GOu may no, remember me. Doc
tor. hut | believe we have met he.
fore"
Il beg pardon, SIR, for no, reco'lcct-
'pg the occasion. "
You were in New Orleans last Win.
ter. We're you not p
81 was, he answered with some em
barrassmeut
IN the gentleman on whom you
called TO draft will
He turned pale aud made no reply.
saw record OF that will in tn
Surrogaies Office this morning. | re-
sumcd, "and u
Ion speak OF my mcle'S will,' he
hastily interrupted.
And yet | continued, you said
it was yours when you applied to have
it written. You represented yourself
as DESTROYS OF executing such II docu.
mcnt preparatory to embnrling on u
perilous voyage. The paper was drawn
according to your instructions, leaving
the date to be filed at the timc OF
signing Your locks were gray then,
and you certainly iookcd old enough
to have n marriageablc daughter, but
your disguise WAS not perfect, aud |
pointed to the mutlatcd Niger,
What, q you mcan?' he shouted
in defiant tono, springipg to his feet
Simply that your uncle : signature
to that paper is a forgary' | answered
rising and confronting him. lie died
on the 'rcntg hrd OF December. Your
own telegram to that effect is in exist
cnce. Ii Was on the hce"ty .tourh the
Jav before Chais,mis, that you called
IN me 20 prepare the paper now on re
cord as his will. The inference is
plain; you undertook to manufacture
this spurious testement after your
uncle's death and wishing to clcthe
your vilainy in leagal form, you pro-
cured from me tho required draft.
You, or some one at you mitigation,
simu lated the signature OF your uncle.
The witnesses, who have since perjur-
ed themselves 10 their depositions,
were procured IN some way bes: known
to yourself-
Enou.h, sir = be calculated. You
have shown yourself in possession of a
secret the custody OF which may prove
dangeroos,
Il am not unpreparcd for you threat,
| replied, In the first place. | did
not come here unarmed in the next
| have prepared full written siate-
mcnt Of the facts to which have al
luded, with information, besides, Of my
present visit to yourself. This paper
will be delivered to the friend 10 whom
it is directed, unless wi,hin an hour |
reclaim it from the messenger, who
has been instructed for that length OF
time to retain it,
His fac. grow liyid, His frame
quivered with mingled fear and rage,
and his eye .gieamed like that of:s
wild beast at bay. -
What is your purpcs-.a. he * CLAIM,
ed in voice hoarse with suppressed
passion.
TO keep your secret while you
live, on one condition.
Name it,
That You write instantly to Julia
Parsons. renouncing all pretentioos to
her haud, and absolutely Withdrawing
your proposal Of marriage
Afier moments pause, he quietly
seated himself at his desk aud hastily
penned II brief note, which he submit-
ed to my inspection it was quite sat.