Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-06-21
SKELETON FINGERS.
An Attorneys "Reminiscences.
This was my sign:
JOHN HALIDAsH, JR.,
Law Office.


JOHN HALIDAsH, JR.,
Law Office. !:
It was hung out one October morn
ing, from corner of the village hotel.
i walked across the street to admire it
for which l may be pardoned; it was
looked well. 1t might have swung there
for years, representing an old practi-
toner, instead of a neophyte like my
SELF I was aware that my act had an
element in it which might degenerate
into the absurd. sssss&
/ re-eatered my small hole in the
wall, took down huge tome, and
seated myself in an arm chair for the
purpose of reading.
had gone through the ordinary
course of study, and had invested the
balance of my scanty capital in the
purchase of library, hired an Office,
and awaited with calm excitement the
moment of my debut 1t had come
i awaited my first case. / wished
some one would come in; but as no
one did concluded to go out.
Going to the hotel bar, I told the
clerk to say would be back in half an
hour, in the event of call, though ex-
pected none. The clerk smiled, half
CONTEMPORARY, I thought.
way led me into the more aristo-
cratic portion of the town, and by the
old fashioned yet magnificent mansion
of Judge Brewer, then very Ill. The
story of the Brewers was an oft repeated
romance. A stain had fallen upon
their once high name.
Ralph Brewer, son of the aged Judge,
young man of high spirit, had van
Islaed under mysterious circumstances
soon after the judges marriage to his
second wife, and some whispered that
she had caused his disappearance, in
order that her own son, a month old
babe, might become the heir of the
family's wealth md name.
If this were SO, the accomplishment
of her ends were not far distant, as the
gray-haired judge was dying. I was
thinking of this as passed the house,
and after brief stroll again sought my
little Office. LII
Walking boldly up to the clerk de-
xmanded if any one had called in my
absence, and he surprised me by
handing me note with an obseeuious
bow.
e Mrs. Brower's servant, if you
please, brought it over
[ fastened to my Office and broke
the seal In fever of surprise and
curiosity.
1t was only two lines:
/" brewer MANSION, Oct. IL.
Mr.. JOHN HALIDAsh, JR.-Sn:-We desire
: to consult you upon important business
Call at once. = Ny12ttI Respectfully, 10 q
ffEe - Mrs. SAMUEL Brewer"
What was the meaning of this Why
did she not consult Squire Buckrum,
VINO had been the legal adviser of the
family for many years? 1t was very
strange. However, obeyed the sum-
mons with prom ptitude.
A solemn-visaged man-servant an
swered my CALL He led the way to the
library, shut the door silently and with
drew. 1t was a fine old room, rich, an
tique and dark.
In a minute or two Mrs. Brewer en-
tered, stately woman in heavy black
silk; her clear complexion still fair. Her
manner could have been naughty, but
1t was most cordial.
She came at once to the business in
hand. I was wanted to draw up will.
Would [ come up to Judge Brewers
room !? Not a word of EXPLANATION
why she had sent for me, and I noticed
That her manner was nervous and hur-
rIed
She led me up through a long, lofty
passage and into large room, whose
deep twilight was only relieved by a |
curtain partially drawn at the window
most remote from the bed. AS we en-
tered, she said in a low voice:
x You will excuse me for not pres
enting you to Judge Brewer formally. /
He is quite often in peculiar mood,
and he is also exceedingly deaf"
The curtains around the bed were
partly put away, and saw a man lying
there. A pair Of white, cadaverous
hands, with long, skeleton-like fingers,
lay upon the counterpart, and the
face was turned from. us to the wall.
My husband cannot bear the Light.
You may find it difficult to do your
work"
She began to aw small table to
tie one partly lighted window, and
Ga1en gong to the bedside, she said ten
derly, The lawyer has come, my
dear"
A feeble, inarticulate moan was the
only reply. - aa ias . "a
The lawyer is here" repeated Mrs.
Brewer, loudly, but still gently.
Oh, ah-well, have but little time
eft"
The voice was peculiar, and it affect
ed me singularly. 1t seemed to come
m an automatem.