South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1876-04-07


Ing her that sum.
lis this Miss Ad,r a,ked Hal, in a
low tQue, ~ he approached her sitle.-
And you. Mr.. Haz'cwoolg" asked Ada
with tear OF JOY In her eyes. yes"
said 'lal. "a ho took her haai. and you
brought 70 this? but IL shall not he so
long" mut'ered Hal To himself as no
turned aud Left the store with Ala. The
Ion. walk was taken together her long
sad history was told: her utter poverty,
and ALL Hal told oil his eventrul life.
his struggles nnd his success. AT last
they reached herquiot home. Mrs. Uar-
ding's fears for her pay were quickly re-
lieved. Tea Was had, AMI thcn Hal and
Ada sat in the little embowercd porch
with the bright moon beaininy upon
them; anil thus they wiled away the
hours in the past.
"By the hy. Miss Ada. Jill Your father
cvcr-have an old servant named rom?'
enQuirei Hal, as tho thoughts of his
nights adventure came into his mind.
YES, indeed cried Ada .the dear old
man was carried or with father. anil we
never head OF bim again; hut why do
you ask" cnqnired Ada. eagerly,
Hal Ind TO relate the circumstance OF
finding the old man, and his death. -
When he ha, concluded. Ada eat in deep
Thought for some moments. and then
said: Yes, old Tom took all OF fathers
papers and valuables and hid them, but
we never know where. and always thought
they hal been stolen; but see now that
the old man was faithful TO the last"
and, bowling her heal. tears of affection
flowed ~ the scene OF that terrible morn.
Ing came before her, with old Tom brave.
~ defending them.
"Do you think you couli recognize
the spot, Miss Ada?" asked Hal, after
thinking n while.
Yes, indeed; why, the old gum tree
stands not far from the house, and IL IL
Wore we often sat during the Summer"
she replied with delight ~ the remem.
brance.
"Aud would You be willing TO 90 with
me and make search?" asked Hal, with
some hesitation.
YES, Mr.. Lakewood. if YOU think it
important. Bat had we not better have
some one with Us rs an assistant" sug.
gestei Ada
Yes, yes. Miss Ada, you are right; n
lawyer should he with US rs witness
ans, TO give us advice. We will set off
Tomorrow. rs my time is short, and |
viii now leave you to rest So saying
Hal departed with n light heart
The next morning 4 carriage drove up
for Ada in which were Hal and n legal
frien TO whom he had told the story,
and became deeply interested. A DAYS
journey brought them 10 the old home Of
Ada; yes, sad though it was to see the
ruins, and the spot once so dear to her
now grown up in witness, yet it was n
great pleasure to her once more TO tread
the soil, and with childish joy she point.
ell out the many spots so familiar to her.
And here is the old gum tree. Just the
same as eyer" exclaimed Ada, as they
advanced to large stately tree about
one hundred yards from the mansion site.
With the assistance OF Halls friend and "a
chance laborer the work Of searching for
the treasure began but not until they
were nearly exhausted, and had upturn-
ed almost every foot OF ground under the
old tree were they rewarded. "Ah. here
is something! cried Hal, as he struck
hard substance. A large fat rock was
with some dilIiulty raised, under which
large box was found, which was quickly
taken up, aud without any delay the
party left and were soon speeding on the
way home. Ada sat in deep silence.
iial and his friend talked earnestly for
some time. At last the city was reach.
ed, and all quickly repaired TO Ada's
lodgings and were soon assembled in
Mrs iIarding's little parlor, where seye.
raj other friends had joined thein. having
heard Of Ado's good fortune. Tie box
was now opened. The beautiful silver
was brought forth. bright as ever; jesy.
lis Of rare beauty and worth we're unfair.
nished; silver plate and golden orna.
ments daZzlcd the eyes OF all. At last
the bottom was reached. and larre roll
OF papers found. among which. most
carefully marked, was the last will Of
Col. Goodwin.
This last document WAS opened in
deep silence. and tho lawyer at last read
IL to the expectant assembly. "AIlmy
property, both real and personal. leave
TO my daughter Ada. also give ono
thousand dollars % my servant 10 =. TO.
gctner with his freedom. and also one
hundre'l dollars 10 erect monument o.
yer his grave ut his death i'm token Of
his faithfuluess" Ilalnow approached
Ada, and, taking her hand. said. II
knew 10 would turn ont thus. Miss Ada.
1ou are now the lawful possessor Of your
fathers estate, and il hccomes vOnf du.
" % appoint an administrator Of the
will, which ny friend says is necessary
And who else but you. Mr. Halle.
wood? But Tor your kind assistance il
would never have been recovered" repli.
cd Ada. looking up through her tears.
The necessary papers being prepared
the party len. except Hal. who still lin.
ecred 70 rejoice with Ada over her good
fortune.
II is needless TO say that a few months
alterward another happy company rs.
scmblcl again in Mrs. ilarding's little
parior % witness the marriage OF Ada
and Hal; and ere another year hal roll
I around "a fauI a,ut, i,,tfI limo, 81 80,