The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1874-02-14
THE LOST WILL;
MY UNCLE'S GHOST.

The scenes | am about to describe occurred
about the year 1860 to IA respectable family
by the name of Culyerton, in Orange county,
New York.
The Culyertons had lived in the old family
mansion and enjoyed the revenues of the
family estate for many years, without the
slightest doubt that they had a right to it,
when suddenly there started up, from good.
ness knows where an individual who laid
claim to the property, and seemed likely to
prove his claim to all but the Culvertons
themselves.
1t was certain Jabcz Hardy was the near
est relative, and certain that Mrs Culvcrtor
was only grand niece of Hiram Hardy, de
ceased; but the Culvertons had lived will
the old man for years, and he had promiscC
time and time again to leave them everything
lie had even declared that his will was made
in their favor and that such document wa,
actually in existence, Mr.. Culverton could
not doubt; but diligent search had been
made IN vain; and Jabcz Hardy, whom the
Old man never saw, was to take the place OF
people he loved so iondly, and who had been
MS comfort in his last hours.
at was shamc" said every one.
"A cruel wicked thing" sobbed Mrs Cul-
vcrton.
And Mr.. Culverton, who had never expect
Ell a reverse, was quite crushed as the pend.
ing lawsuit progressed.
A thousand times Gay he SAID:
"IIow providential 1t would be if Uncle
ilirams will would turn up at this moment"
81 wonder how he can rest, poor man,
with such injustice going on"
But no matter what they said, or how they
managed, no will was found, and .Jabez
rubbed his hands in triumph
1t was strange that while affairs were in
mis- condition, one so deeply interested IN
The subject as Mrs. Culverton necessarily was
should dream of anything else; but dream
she did, night after night, of an entirely diff
icrent subject.
inevitably, for week at least, she had no
sooner closed her eyes than she found herself
IN an intelligence office, full of EMPLOYEES of
all ages and nations, and face TO face with a
girl OF small stature, with white Scottish fea-
lures, and singular blue eyes, wide apart and
staring, who desired the place of cook.
At first she did not like the girl, but in
every dream she found her aversion vanish.
Al'er lew moments conversation, and
invariably, the vision had begun to melt,
"hGn the glrl looked at her and said:
ia ike to hire with you, ma'am."
1t was always the same oflice-always the
same girl-always the same words were
spokcn-unlil Mrs, Culverton began TO think
mere must be something in the dream.
lhough 1t can't come true" said she,
lot whlIc Johanna remains here I shall
never hire another cook"
Ana Just as She said this there was scream
IN inc kltchen, and the small crrand giil ran
N frightened out of her senses, TO ,elI how
Johanna, lifting the wash boiler. had fallen
with IT and scalded herself.
Mrs CulycrtOn followed the vorn,, ~, :;
20 :hc kitchen, and found Johanna in -
Tretched condition; and the doctor bn;rr
sent for, she was put beyond domestic canaci
ty for at least a month TO come. A temno
AIRY person must DC had, and Mrs. Culverton
that very afternoon went to find out at the IN
ielligcnce office.
Strange TO say in the hustle she had quit
forgotten her dream, until she suddenly stooC
face to face with the very girl she had seei
in 1t. A small young woman with yer
singular blue eyes in a white face and who's
features betrayed Scottish origin She rose
this girl-from seat III the office, and stoo
right before mt, twisting her apron string,
and courtseying.
""I'd like to hire with you, ma'am," sh
said
The very words of the dream, and Mr..
Culverton started. and IN her confusion coul,
only say:
"Whyg'
The girl blushed.
al don't know" she said. "only It seems L
me I'd like 70 live with you"
II seemed a fatal thing TO Mrs Culverton
but she put the usual questions and receive,
the most satisfactory answers, except as 4
references.
'But can't employ you without refer
ence," said Mrs. G., knowing that Fate ha'
decreed that this girl should take a place il
her kitchen.