The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-05-31

was Toms reply
did you get the medicine n queried
Mr.. Vivian.
" les, sir.
Mr.. Vivian followed the boy into the
sick room Old Reuben Vincent lay with
closed eyes, feebly muttering to himself.
The young man startled as his eyes fell
upon the changed features Of his host, and
some accusing spirit seemed to chide him.
The face bore an older look, the cheeks
were sunken and wan. and a frlghtful PIC
ture, indeed, did the old man present.
Mrs Leonard at once administered the
medicine as directed by DR.. Rodney, Mr..
Nivian's eyes following her every move
ment. Then she approached the bedside
Of the sick man. He took the medicine,
elapsed in5o a momentary sleep, and then,
I opening his eyes, seemed, for the hrst
time, since the previous day, TO realize
what had taken place.
| Come nearer, " he said, family to Mr..
| Vivian
The young man moved a chair to the
Old mans side.
" am dy rng," said Mr. Vincent, for a
man at my time Of life cannot withstand
the shock which the announcement Of my
dear boy untimely death has given me. T"
% DO not talk 50. sir. replied Mr.. Niv
ian, IN a soft, well-modulated tone Of
voice Il You must survive this depress-
ION IF spirit, if only for your dear grand
daughters sake.
Mr. Vincent groaned heavily.
MAY Heaven protect her z" he said
" would see her, now feel that my
remaining hours of life are few, and my
convictions are generally true, Mrs. Leon
ard Z"
The housekeeper came to his side
4" wish to see Bella
The lady Immediately went from the
room, and in few moments returned
with Miss Rodney.
Bella S face was pale and tear stained,
and as She entered the room, the sight Of
Mr. Vincent, lying helpless upon his
couch, affected her deeply. She sank on
her knees by his bedside and clasped her
arms about his neck, weeping sofJly
Z" have sent for you, Bella, said the
old man. disengaging her arms, and di-
recting her to a seat, ''to undergo a severe
trial 1t Is necessary that ! should make
some future provision for you, for ! feel
that | shall soon sleep with my dear boy,
Cecil
"Oh 40 not tals thus Y exclaimed
Bella. in an agony Of misery and woe
you must not die for | could not live af-
ter his death and go,,r o,c,.
" Remember that a higher power than
any earthly one, controls our destlnies, my
child " said the Ola man, kindly And
nov. Mr. Vivian, wish to hear Of the
circumstances Of Cecils loss
Mr. Vivian stated It was evident that
he had not anticipated the request. tie
controlled himself, however, and replied
1t is painful subject 10 you, Mr.
Vincent, ana the memory uf my poor, dear
friends loss Is too fresh IN my memory to
admit Of my recalling the event Of his
death without experiencing the most poign-
ant sorrow, and the profoundest grief.
"Sull. / would know All, " said Mr.
Vincent. You must bear the trial, Bella
Nothing can deepen the woe already
feel, sand the maiden, desparlngly
Il Ii Is a brief story although sorr0w-
ful one, continued Sidney Vivian, as he
glanced hastily AT the features of his two
auditors, and | would thar might he
spared gong over the details " my dear
est friends loss Ever a kind man, and
worthy one. he won from All VINO knew
him their heart affection.
We started from Calcutta, with gladly
anticipating hearts and hopeful desires.
He had, as you know about hlIn, an amount
amounting to some twenty-five thousand
bounds in Bank Of England notes. while |
had a large amount Of my own money,
made III successful speculation in India
with the tirm
e We set sail together, on the Venture,
bound for Havre The first three days
out ] was sick, being unaccustomed to the
sea The evening, however, Of that day.
Cecil and myself walked the deck for
nearly an hour We conversed over the
subject Of home and our successes, and
he Informed me that he had secreted the
money on his person. One-half Of 1t, he
told me, he had secreted on his inner shirt
pocket, and the remainder he had sewed
IN his vest-lining. 1t was quite bulky,
but did not dlscommode him IN the least
At about 10 o'clock, | repaired to the
cabin, but he, stating that he would re-
nam on deck, did not accompany me be-
low. At III o'clock | again left my BIRTH
the loneliness of the night dispelllng sleep.
There was no one on deck, and | supposed
that Cecil had turned i'll. Soon after | re
tired
The following morning, | learned Of
his being missing. Search was instituted,
but Cecil was not to be found, and, 1t was
evident that he had fallen overheard.
I'VE cruised around, and, as we had
passed several islands during the night,
we reversed our course but with no
good results, for, despite the most persls-
tent inquiry and search, this theory was
finally arrived at, that Cecil Dare and the
twenty-five Thousand pounds had found
watery resting place. He had, perhaps,
fallen overheard, accidentally"
There was briet hull as Mr.. Vivian con-
cluded his narrative, for Bella's head was
bent low upon the cushioned arm Of the
chair, while Mr. Vincent had buried his
face in the pillow, Mr. Vivian watched the
twain furtively.
You all. perhaps, are aware Of my EN-
/ barrassment I" finally said the old man.
/ "a knew that your all was III possession
Of Cecil, " replied Mr.. Vivian.
And that there is a heavy mortgage on
this property Of Vincent Hall m
Yes
Mr.. Vincent reflected deeply, then he
turned over and groaned.
Mr.. Vivian approached the bed.
"Nou are feeling worse, sir
IL can feel but little worse. Were
but certain that this heritage which has
been in our family for SO many years,
could but be saved from sacrifice, and that
Bella, poor child, would be ensured the
comforts she has ever enjoyed, | would
indeed feel happy.
Mr.. Vivian leaned over until his lips
almost touched Mr.. Nincent's ear.
Zone word, he whispered. "You are
embarrassed, you say. Give me the right
TO keep this noble heritage in the family 2
what do you mean :" queried the old
man.
II mean that if your granddaughter,