Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-03-23
CHAPTER II.

Some days elapsed before the arrival OF the
next epistle from Messrs. Grimsby and
Shidge, which of course was waited for with
much eagerness by the juvenile members Of
the Lyndon family--an' eagerness shared by
their elders; but to smaller extent, and more
carefully concealed. The rector devoted him.
self to his parochial duties more assiduously
than ever; his wife, as usual, busted herself
islTs and TIE Captain hsrmfessIy idled away
his time, giving music lessons to his canary,
reading, and taking maps, betraying no anx-
iety on any subject whatever. Edith, who
was the most impetuous of all the children,
was in a perpetual fdget; she was dying Of
curiosity to see the iron chest, and still more
to become acquainted with the conditions
upon which it was to be opened.
At last the lon nged-for letter arrived which
was to put their speculations on the latter
point at rest. Uncle George had it up in his
chamber, and kept it there whole day be-
fore imparting its contents to anybody; a
fact which could only be attributed to alb.
sence of mind, as he was much too good-na-
tured wilfully to do anything Of an annoying
or provoking kind. About supper-time it oc-
CURED to him that perhaps his brother would
like to read it; so he rang his bell and re-
quested the servant who answered it to carry
the letter to his master. and say to. him that
he was welcome to look at it if be pleased.
"That's jolly" cried Alfred. "Now papa,
read it aloud, and let's have share Of the
fun"
"Fun!" echoed Lily, who had by this time
woven quite pretty little romance in her
own mind relative to the mysterious chest.
II don't see any fun about it, Alfred-it is all
very puzzling and singular, think"
"Wel, we shall find an explanation here, I
suppose" said Mr.. Lyndon, unfolding the
large blue,tinted half sheet, with its formal
cramped writing, and glancing over it as he
spoke, to acquaint himself with the purport
Of its contents. As he did so, a sort of shad-
owy look of disappointment, almost vexation,
settled on his face ,. .......
"What does it say, papa ?" asked Lily.
Nothing very satisfactory, my dear. This
absurd box is legacy and no legacy, as one
may say. Your uncle will get no good of it
after ALL"
"No good oft !" echoed half dozen voices
and even Mrs. Lyndon, who had hitherto been
resolute in suppressing an outward manifesto.
ton of curiosity, laid down her teaspoon and
looked up with much interest for further in
formation. ....
"Not likely that he will, since he's not to
open it for ten years, supposing that he lives
that long, which we all know is highly i'm
probable" said the rector Somewhat testify.
"It is nonsensical piece of business to my
mind; the man must have been crazy"
"What reason does he give-did he give,
rather-for making such a condition ?" asked
Edith.
"None. that know Of: Here's the extract
from the will, which the lawyers have copied
out in full You can all hear it for yourselves, "
and he read aloud the extract, which was
worded with sufficient clearness to be quite
comprehensive to any mind of ordinary in
telligence. The iron chest was to be deliver
ed, without delay, into the possession Of Capt.
Lyndon, and to be guarded by him, intact,
for the period of ten years ; at the expiration
of which time he would be at liberty to break
the seals and investigate the contents.
"And it doesent even say what the contents
rep exclaimed Lily, in tone of much dis
appointment ...
money, of course-gold and silver coins
! like those in the big iron pots that the. pi'
rates used to bury" said Edgar. "What else
could it be-" ...lr..........
"Parchments-old, valuable papers" said
Lily. "He might have had some reason for
not wishing them examined under certain
length of time" .. ..... ...r.
But, my dear, your uncle would not be a
likely person for him to bequeath such papers
to" said her father. .. ........ ..... ..'
Except to get them out of the way" re-
io;nad i)v UThare miuht he soma family