Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-03-20
hunting, he told me. He lied. I've

hunting, he told me. He lied. I've
ascertained that. He did go to the meet.
But there was but poor days sport, a
short run with a young fox, and kill in
D arlington Plantations, only few miles
from Lupton. He might have been home
by two O'Clock. But he stayed drinking
In little public house on the Purham
road. So, you see, he lied. That doesn't
surprise me; he was always liar, as his
father was before him. 1t looks like ad.
ministering the last fatal dose, and then
keeping out of the way of the closing
scene, to avoid suspicion. On the other
hand, an innocent man might have
put up at the public, and afterwards,
being ashamed of himself, have given a
false account of himself for the sake OF
decency"
"He was on good terms with the de-
ceased?"
eyes. Not so good as he'd make out.
but still on good terms. He'd been for
given, and made welcome to the manor
house. Poor Delpratt, take it, was try
ing to like him, and, on the whole,
the young man had behaved pretty
well of late 1t had been different form
erly. In truth, Ernest Was as bad as
Delamere had been. Dismissed from the
army before he was twenty for disgrace
full conduct-cheating at cards-then
guilty of what's called in plain terms, at
the Old Bailey, forgery. But the thing
was hushed up, and the young man was
packed off to Australia. Poor Delpratt,
always feeling acutely his own position
and doing his best to serve the legitimate
members OF the family, gave him up then
as bad job. But he probably softened
towards him of late years, believed in his
reform, and viewed him even affection
ately" -
"Who was with him at the time of his
deaths''
"No one. There we're weak. He had
certainly heart disease of considerable
standing Sufficient, perhaps, to account
for his death. There's only this to add
He is known to have complained of the
strange taste of his medicines and of the
great internal pain and burning thirst they
provoked"
CATER all, as you said yourself Mer-
dock, just now, it's but poor CASE
Il repeat it-a poor case"
II don't see that we've any grounds for
resisting payment of the policy
'Perhaps not, as yet. But never rush
at conclusions, Pixley. We've time be
fore us, and many things may happen.
And mind, in any case, mean to spring
mine upon that young man such as he
little dreams of. Eustace Delpratt was
my friend. l don't forget that. Hush
We've arrived. Remember, you're my
clerk"
The funeral was of a simple kind. It
was chiefly remarkable, perhaps, for its
paucity of mourners But, as Mr.. Mer-
dock had explained, the late Mr. Delpratt
had, legally speaking no relatives. No
Unbeatable blood" to use the convey
ancers' term, had flowed in his veins, and
he had died childless.
Ernest Delpratt was the chief mourner
He was accompanied by certain members
Of his mothers family, thus indirectly
connected with the deceased. A clergy
man or two from neighboring parishes,
who had been on friendly terms with Mr.
Delpratt, and whose flocks' had received
aid from his benevolence; the doctor, and,
Of course, Mr.. Merdock, were in attend
ance. The gentry of the district sent
their carriages, and round the grave were
grouped numerous tenants. farm-laborers.
and poor folk resident upon Lupton
Manor, who were moved to pay last
tribute Of respect to its departed pro-
prietor. He had been to them invariably
kind and generous-had never been
known to act harshly, or to speak urgently
They regretted his loss deeply and sim
cerely, the more especially that they
seemed to view with some distrust the
sides as the future squire of Luptop
Manor. Of Ernest Delpratt's position
none entertained any doubt. It was
understood that to him the
late Eustace Delpratt had bequeathed his
entire possessions absolutely.
Keep close to me, Pixley," Mr.. Mer-
dock whispered to his friend, after the
funeral ceremony was concluded, and the
mourners had returned to the manor
house. Then he added aloud, 81 wish it
10 be fully known that | have attended
here to-day as the friend for many years,
and the professional adviser, OF the late
Eustace We're Delpratt."
THAT is quite understood,' said Ern-
est Delpratt, rather impatiently. at is
now proposed that in that character you
should read the will of the deceased" He
placed upon the table small packet, the
seals Of which had been broken.
"You wish me to do so?''
"Certainly. wish all the usual forms
to be observed on this melancholy occa-
SION"
"Be it SO, then. And you produce this
document as the last will of the late Mr..
Eustace We're Delpratt?''
Only small party was assembled in
the spacious library of Lupton Manor
Ernest Delpratt moved anxiously from
one to the other. He was very pale, he
spoke in low, agitated tones, and his
hands trembled exceedingly.
Mr.. Merdock took his seat at the head
Of the table. He placed beside him a
small black leather bag.
The will you produce" he said, with
a grave, business air, turning toward Err
nest Deipratt, "bears date the 18th of
March, 1859. It was drawn by me, and
my name appears as that of one of the
witnesses, attesting the due execution of
the document by the testator. By this
will the whole of Mr. Eustace Delpratts
estate, both real and personal, is be-
queathed to you, and you are appointed
his sole executor. You produce this as
his last will and testament? You know
OF no other will or codicil executed by
the deceased?"
''He executed no other will or codicn,"
said Ernest, in low, faint voice.
The deceased had, however, it seems,
some little time since, contemplated max
ing new disposition Of his property
lie had drawn up a few notes and mem
oranda. He designed to make q hand
some provision for Mr.. Ernest Delpratt,
but the residue of his estate he proposed
to apply in different way. But | need
not 60 into that. Mr. Eustace We're Del
pratt did not survive to make new will,