Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-05-26
SKELETON FINGERS.
AN ATTORNEYS "REMINISCENCES.
This was my sign:
JOHN HALIDAsH, JR.,
Law Office.
SKELETON FINGERS.
This was my sign

1t was hung out one morning in early
j October, from a corner of the village hotel.
[ walked across the street to admire it
for which I may be pardoned it was my
first sign--and to see it's effect. 1t looked
well. It might have swung there for
years, representing an old practitioner, in
stead of neophyte like myself. did not
protract my survey, l was aware that my
act had an element in it which might de-
generate into the absurd.
[ re-entered my small hole in the wall,
took down huge tome, and seated myself
in an arm chair for the purpose of read
ing.
had gone through the ordinary course
Of study and had invested the balance of
my scanty capital in the purchase of Ii
brary. hired an office, and awaited with
calm excitement the moment of my debut.
! 1t had come.
! Iawaited my first case. I wish ed some
one would come in; but as no one did, I
concluded to go out.
Going to the hotel bar, told the clerk
| to say that l would be back in half an
hour, in the event of call, though ex-
pected none. The clerk smiled, half con-
temptuously, I thought.
My way led into the more aristocratic
portion Of the town, and by the old-fash-
Toned yet magnificent mansion Of Judge
Brewers, 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,
a young man of high spirit, had vanished
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, month old babe, might become the
heir cf the family's wealth and 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 a
brief stroll again sought my little office.
Walking boldly up to the clerk I de-
manded if any one had called in my alb
sence, and he surprised me by handing me
a note with an obsequious bow.
"Mrs. Browe servant, if you please,
brought it over"
[ FASTENED to my Office and broke the
seal in fever Of surprise and curiosity.
1t contained only two lines:
s'BRowER MANSION, Oct. II.
"MR. JOHN .HALIDAsH, JR.-Sir: We
desire to consult you upon important bust
ness. Respectfully,
MRS. SAMUEL BROWER."
What waswthe meaning of this? Why
did she not consult Squire Buckrum, who
had been legal adviser Of the family for
years? 1t was very strange. However,
[ obeYed the summons with promptitude.
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 fine old room, rich, an
tique and dark.
Ina minute OF two Mrs Brewer entered,
a stately woman in heavy black silk; her
clear complexion still fair. Her manner
would have been naughty, but it was most
cordial.
She came at once to the business in hand.
I was wanted to draw up will. Would I
come up to Judge Brewers room? Not a
ward Of explanation why she had sent for
me, and / noticed that her manner was
nervous and hurried.
She led me 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 entered she said in low
voice:
''You will excuse me for not presenting
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 I saw man lying there.
A pair of white, cadaverous hands, with
long, skeleton like fingers, lay upon the
counterpane, 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. y
She began to draw small table to the