Litchfield enquirer., 1877-10-11

Mattarer, Earwaker," crooked my uncle, Tut, man! you may read death in my face But to busin6ssI II am here, Ear walker, to tender my aeknowledgments of the ability and integrity with which you have managed my numerous investments, and to relieve you of all further duties concerning them"
 q was in hopes. Sir, that your visit was rather with the intention of adding to them. said the lawyer. CurionslY enough, I had been just examining a list, newly prepared for your inspection, of-- I really think the very soundest and most promising
 No matter" interrupted MT. Lew craft. "My mind is fully made up. I am about to realize every shilling" ss8
 'tYou don't say sol' eiauculated the other. with 8 sort of gasp, as of one who has received 8 shower bath. ''But, Sir, the prices-" { .'I'll take my chance. Everything sold for the next account. You will merely hand over scrip. ct cetera. 7
 'I should surely watch my opportunity
 "Don't tell you. my good friend, the thing is done?o asked my uncle. with some impatience. Everything is sold for the next account; here is duplicate list. " And he produced paper wherein every description of stock, shares, &c, in Ear waker's custody, belonging to Mr.. Lew craft, was noted down m very cleskly fashion, indeed.
 ''Sold!' echoed the lawyer, faintly. ''You have then already instructed Blk ham-?"
 Passing his office, thought might as we'll save you that troub1e," said MT. Lewcraft, indifferently. @d -
 s'I shall, of course, observe your direc- tions. But, excuse me. my good friend, have you reflected on the serious loss of income? So much money-let us, at a rough guess, call it G60, 0OO--lying dead, Sir, dead" remonstrated the lawyer.
 What is dead is beyond misfortune, Earwaker,"" said my uncle, with grin so peculiar and sinister that it almost appal- led the other. Banks break, stocks fall, schemes collapse, men rob. For what ever time is left me here will know no banker but myself"
 ''My dear Sir, you astonish me-"
 Prepare to be still more astonished, 7" said my uncle quietly. ''Be good enough to remit to me the proceeds of the seve- ral sales, as far as practicable in specie. ''
 'In specie! Sixty thous-"
 'If you will be the bearer yourself, Earwaker," said Mr. Lewcraft with grim politeness, ''you will be welcome visitor = my first-to Fountain Violet"
 "Mad or a miser?" pondered the law yer, lowing his thanks. with a troubled smile.
 ''One last surprise for you, Earwaker, resumed my uncle. ''I have made my will "
 "Not, I trust without professional aid. nay dear Sir? Take heed. You know the proyerb!"
 II could not consult you, for req. son, " replied MT. Lewcraft, apologetical- ly. Providence has, you know, left me singuarly bare of those not unmixed blessings, blood-relations. There, remalns but one, my nephew, Adolphus Sweet love. between whom and myself little cor respondence has been wasted, and no love lost at all. That young gentleman posses sing nothing him self, has lately married young lady of equal fortune. He wrote, not seeking my approval, but coolly ad. vising me of his intended marriage. My acknowledgment was hrief. almost cpl grammatic," sad my uncle, with hoarse chuckle. '"The parties marrled, and are, 1 conclude, 'subsisting on the hope that 8 relationless old uncle, in despair of bet ter channels for his posthumous wealth, might bequeath portion to them. 1t was natural. I could not bring myself wholly to disapoint these anticipations. Now, this nephew of mine, is fine gen. tleman-ls what is now recognized, am informed. in courtly circumstances as a swell. We'll, Sir, I have 8 yacht, fine vessel, that has cost me-" continued Mir. Lewcraft, with wry face. 'much, and is from the secret of construction she carries with her, more valuable than anything of her tonnage afoat. I left Adolphus my yacht, bequeathing all else that possess to-to-"
 My uncle paused, and slowly extended his hand. As the other took it his heart seemed to stand still. There was no mis- taking MT. Lewcraft's tone.
 "Yes, resumed the latter, pressing the lawyers cold thin digits affectionately, "Yes, Earwaker, my friend of thirty years, to whose sound advice my finan- cial prosperity is mainly due, who better than yourself would have earned this proof of friendship?"
 "Would have!" thought Earwaker with a shiver.
 However, on reconsidering the matter, l jndged it more expedient to apply a test. Dividing my possessions as in- tended. l have reserved to Captain Sweetlove the option of taking either yacht or mansion, with the contents of either, as his taste may suggest. And I think can guess what will be his decis. ion. Hal my time is up, Within a few days. then. Earwaker, I shall look for you, you human argosy, at Fountain Vio- let.
 With these words my uncle took his leave.
 II think could hazard guess asto that gentleman's errand!'' was the :frank re. mark of another client of MT. Earwaker, who had been biding his time Ia the ante room. It was young Pogson. a medical man, who had just purchased practice in the neighborhood.
 'sThe deuce you couldl And what?''
 s'Eo execute hls last will and testa. mentl' said MT. Pogson, poking his friend and legal adviser, playfully in the ribs. 'That man has not three months longer to live"
 Mir. Earwaker looked at him but made no reply.
 Pogson's business was dispatched as quickly as civilitY would permit, and, his asy.mannered friend, the lawyer sank back in his chair,. and strove 10 realize the position in which he found himself placed. It was. as we have seen, ! strange and critical one.
 Earwaker was the son and successor of \ solicitor of good repute, who bequeath- sd to him a considerable practice. rela- ing chiefly to matters connected with commerce. and finance. The younger man, while inheriting most of his fathers business, possessed one failing which the alter had not-ambition. Debarred by from higher career, he ,aw his road to social distinction, only through the acquisition of wealth-com. handing wealth To this object he had devoted his life, his moneyed connection furnishing many an opportunity for those laring operations, which, If successful, ay the foundation of mighty fortune, if ,hey do not achieve it at a stroke. More ,han oncs he had held the prize he aimed 1t almost in his grasp. But reverse al- most always followed victory. Nay, se- 'ies of mishaps would sometimes reduce