The advertiser. (Wilmington, Del.) 1879-18??, 1879-11-29


son of grace which she had been compelled
to beg even with tears had already nearly
passed; and few more days would wit
ness the condemnation of two lives to hope
less misery.
At the conclusion of my friends nara
tive, in which, for reasons that may here
after be developed, felt peculiar interes
Iprevailed upon him to accompany me tc
place of amusement to which had pre-
viously procured tickets,
When we reached the theatre the per-
formance had already begun, but we sue.
ceeded in finding seats which commanded
fine view both of the stage and the audi
ence.
In a few moments George touched me
on the elbow.
"Observe the gentleman nearly opposite,
in the front row, seated next to the column
leaning his arm on his cane" he whispered.
Hooked in the direction indicated, and
saw face whose striking resemblance to
one had seen before caused me TO start
with surprise.
'sWho is it?"
''Ethridge Parsons" was the reply.
"The nephew of whom you spoke!"
''Does he resemble his uncle?" / was on
the point of inquiring, but just then the
stranger drew the glove from his right hand
and / saw that the first joint of the middle
finger was missing, a circumstance which,
for sufficient reasons, absorbed my atten-
ton.
'.Do you know the exact date of Mr..
Fsrs6Saf1 3 tllessiir:2 Z / asked, when we had
gained The street at the close of the per-
formance.
eyes" said George. sit was the twen-
ty-third of December. His daughter re-
ceived telegram from her cousin announ-
cling the fact the same day. But why do
you ask2"
81 have reason which may or may not
prove good one" returned, and, stating
that had business engagements for the
whole next day, parted with my friend,
promising to meet him on the following
evening.
Next afternoon found me at the house of
Mr.. Parsons, the nephew.
''Mr. Parsons, presumed were the
words with which Iaccosted the gentleman
had seen at the theatre
''Yes, SIR"
"You may not remember me, Mr.. Par
sons, but believe that we have met be-
FORE"
81 beg your pardon, sir, for not recollect-
ing the occasion"
''You were in Southampton last winter,
we're you not2"
81 was" he replied, with some embar-
II am the solicitor on whom you called |
o make draft of WILL"
He turned pale, but made no reply.
81 saw record of that will at Doctors
Commons, this morning." l resumed,
'and-"
''You speak of my uncle's will,' he
hastily interrupted. ~
'And yet continued, you said it was
Tours when you applied to have it written.
fou represented yourself desirous of exc
uting such a-document, preparatory to
on perilous voyage. The
'aper was drawn in accordance with your
leaving the date to be filled in
t the date of signing Your locks were
ray then, and you certainly looked old
nough to have a manageable daughter;
nut your disguise was not perfect. And
pointed to the mutilated finger.
"What do you mean?" he shouted III
efiant' tone.
eSimply that your uncle's signature to
hat will is a forgery" / answered, rising,
onfronting him. ''He died on the twenty ]
bird of December. Your own telegram
D that effect is in existence. 1t was the
ay before Christmas that you called on me
, prepare che document now ON record as !
is will. The inference is plain; you I'M
ertook to manufacture this spurious tesla
lent after your uncles death, and, wish :
lg to clothe your villainy in legal form, ,
ou procured from me the required draft. i
'ou, or some one at your instigation, sim I
lated the signature of the deceased. The
who have since perjured them, -.
lives in their depositions, were procured +