Rapides gazette. (Alexandria, La.) 1869-187?, 1872-07-06

He then approached the desk, open
ing by one OF the bunch of keys in his
hand the drawer to which his uncle
had alluded.
There, in small tin box, lay Gilbert
Rothsay's will.
After moments irresolute pause,
he broke the seal.
He ran his eye impatiently over the
long, wordy document, which was writ
ten on one side of roll of thick parch;
ment-like paper.
"The beggarly pittance of five
thousand dollars to me! y he muttered
between closed his teeth, "and all
the rest to the brat he picked out Of
the street, curse him!"
Robert ROthsay counted his wealth
by thousands, but he still coveted
more and it nearly maddened him to
see the inheritance, lie so confidently
believed would be his, pass into the
hands. of a stranger.
Holding the will in his clinched
hand, he turned toward the fire. place,
the temptation at his heart plainly de-
picted on his agitated countenance.
just then came the sound of hurried
footsteps, followed by low knocking
at the door.
"Mr. Rothsay, your uncle is dy-
ingw
"NoY, or neyerw he muttered, as
he flung the will on the enbers.
Coming" he added, as the knock.
ing continued.
| Then hurriedly restoring the box to
the drawer, he locked it and went out
Mrs. Ames entered the room few
moments after.
Goodness, gracious me. what a
smudge." !" calculated the good lady
"Itll be the ruiaation of the walls and
pictures p
And ~eizing the offending objecs
which had not yet began to blaze.
with the tongs, she flung it out of thu
window into the courtyard almost
directly at the feet OF old Steven, who
was busily engaged in clearing ava,
| the snow.
The old man took it up.
| % What waste of white paper !" h.
muttered. "Only q little scorched
an only writ on one side. 1t will b'
just the thing fo- George to MAKE
| his copies on"
No will, did you sayp
I Lawyer Gray fixed his eyes keenl.
OH the face of his companion.
What need was there of a will :
inquired Robert Rothsay, in a tone q
surprise. My uncle wouldnaturall.
wish his property to be inherited h.
the only child Of his only brother, +
whom it would fall by law"
"By the way, it is my intention b
sell the house and real estate, an,
should be glad of your aid in dispos
, ing of it,"
"Sell the house!D ejacnlated th
lawyer, with an air of CONSERVATION
for be was an old friend of GilbeI
Rothsay, and took a strong interest i
, bis adopted daughter.
"May l inquire." he added, in
, calmer voices" what. in that event,
! to become of Miss Allie p
i "Who n
I" Miss Allie Rothsay, your uncle
| adopted daughter"
: :" really can't take upon myself
/ say" said Rothsay, with shrug
the shoulder, 81 suppose she will hay
to do as other girls do, who are throw
, ON their own resources. Am ! to u
! derstand that You will aid me in tt
{ matter spoke Off
The old man turned upon the speal
I face look that he never forgot.
e "Sir, / never yet aided a man
g turning an orphan out of the house,
: whose shelter she has so sacred
right, and / don't think / shall beg
!. now y @
Here, fearing that he should sa
e more than was prudent, Squire Grs
0 turned abruptly away.
.He's heartless scoundrelw he mu
2 tered, as be went down the stairs. 80
= believe, on my soul, thai there icss
viii, and he has destroyed it. I
;. looked guilty when spoke of it. g
l.. " -