Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1874-05-28
THE LAST HOUR OF STRIFE.

IL was u EAU nOur NJ M0ntIOr0 dalI
when the doctor announced in low voice,
to attendants at the bedside Of Joseph
Montford, that the poor fellow must die.
In that gloomy chamber where deaths
grim visage played courteously about
whispering voices arranged for the last
work of u fond husband and doting faith
er.
Joseph Montford was but the father OF
one child. and for him to get possession
of his fathers immense estate it was ne
cessary that will should be signed BY
the dying man and his wife; both sigma
lures being essential in consequence Of
the property having been left by the
grandfather Of the child with a proviso.
This whim Of the ancestor, which seemed
IN the execution mere nothing, now de-
manded the attention of the " ing man. and
the fepdish Asa Montford, his discarded
brother.
The clock struck nine; and yet no law
yer was at hand to give cognisance to the
last testament Of the dying father and be-
rcaved mother. What should be done
The little child knew nothing of the deep
voc which found shelter in that mother 5
heart, who would soon bid fare we'll to her
dearest friend on earth. He could lend
no helping hand-could offer no word OF
consolation to the widowed mother during
the hours Of her sad bereavement, but
would surely be living monument tha,
would long sustain the memory Of her af-
| Fiction. Mrs. Moutford. completely bro
ken down with sorrow, clustered her dar-
ling boy in her arms and fell over upon
the bedside Of her husband. praying hall
audibly to the God Of mercy. for help.
The wailing of Mrs. Moutford soon
aroused her husband from the stupor into
which be had fallen, sufficiently to centre
his waverihg mind upon his last work OIL
earth; aud that was the signing of the
all-important document referred to previ.
ously.
doctor Mansfield. ;" said Joseph Mont
ford. turning over in bed aud rising to a
sitting posture. Il am ready aud willing
to meet my fate. and l want to know
from you if every hope has faded? Let
me hear! ]" These words were uttered in
harsh and broken tones. and was so uucx-
pected to the doctor. who was of . nervous
temperament. that he unconsciously lef,
bis seat aud rushed to the side Of the won.
derful invalid.
I've duty to perform, doctor. and
tell me what means all this :" inquired
the poor fellow, whose voice in that short
time had changed to a mouruful song
He extended his hand to the doctor. gazing
at the same time at the blood which had
already began TO settle under his finger
nails. lie realized the presence of king
death.
Il would advise you, my dear friend
to prepare for the worst" responded
Doctor Mansfield. laying his hand con.
fdingly upon the snow white pillow where
that aching head had rested 50 many weary
days.
Il thought tt knew It'll" muttered
Joseph Mon,ford. whose eyes now fully
gazed upon the objects of his love-hi.
wife and little child.
What do you wish 7" enquired the
doctor. knowing if the duty was an im.
portant one. no time should be lost.
My will has not been signed The
will requires the signatures Of Mary
(mcaning his wife) and I. and that mus
be accompanied by some legal form,
which can be executed BY no other per.
son than lawyer"
! All was silen, for . moment. JOSEPH
Mon,ford fell back with groan aud turn.
ed his head away to think. to wait the ae-
ton of his only friend. not beiag able ts
direct the desired movement.
'.Will he live an hour Z" These word!
were whispered in the heart Of Doctor
Mansfield while marking closely every &C
tioa Q. TIE poor fellow who would soon b,
engaged in violent struggle With th,
drekd monster-death. All the while b.
marked that ral'id face thoughts 6ew rap
idly through his mind concerning that all
important master Of the lav-" III,
thought Of that innocent child vho voulS
end no sympathy when dependent upcr
the charity Of eavious relstives: Oh,
thought Of the revengeful workings Of ,