The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-03-26
. DCfra udod Heir.

E-n@~A.-..-.
o Dcfrau uded Heir.
One January evening, eighteen years
after had left DR.. Lignon's, I returned
home as usual after the labors of tho day.
found my wife seated by cheerful fire,
and the tea-urn Kissing on the table, on
which too was placed the tea-servicc, and
the toast racks fastened to tho fender be-
tokened that the evening meal was waiting
for me.
''Home at last, dear James," said my
wife. II have been waiting tea for you
some time"
eyes, was engaged longer at the Office
81 the Chief of Police than expected to-
day. Blythe by, whom do you think met
on Broadway to-day 2"
81 don't know. Whom 2"
t'No other than Amos Barton"
should have said that my wife came
from the village where DIR. Lignon lived,
and was we'll acquainted with all the par
ties mentioned in this history"
''lndeed," she replied; 'sdid he speak
to youa"
"Oh, yes; 1T appears he intends running
for council. He solicited my influence
but, of course, I did not promise it to
him."
1T is very strange, but father never liked
that man. There was something in his
countenancc or his manner which was very
repulsive to him."
"A great many people share his preiu-
dices, my DEAR" returned. "Amos Bar
ton is by no means q general favorite.
remember when was pupil atDr. Lgnon's
sfd xdndao DO yee eats 50 h%c 6H6 can tell why .ney o1s
like him. They can bring no immoral act
against him. Did you ever hear anything
tangible proved against him9"
"Never."
''Do you remember how strangely he
came in for his property 2. I way but lit
tie girl then, still | rccollect distinctly the
sensation it made. His brother and nephew
died within ten days uf each other. 1t was
very curious
VERY"
suppose I uttered this word in a very
peculiar manner, for my wife put down
her cup which she was in the act of raising
to her mouth, and glanced curlously at
me-
"What do you mean by that very 2 !"
said my wife. Now, James, l know by
your manner that you have secret to tell
me-"
''NIy dear, what secret should know 2"
81 don't know; but you arc 80 different
from other mcn--you have such an extra.
ordinary faculty for tracing matters out.
| am certain you know moro about tina
affair than you pretend"
At that moment there was ring ut the
bell, and a servant entered almost directly
aftcrward and handed me tho following
message:
''Come to me Immediately am dying !;
have something Of Importance to commu-
nicatc to you. Doctor Llgnon, -, New
York"
handed the. dispatch to my wife.
"Must you go" said sho, with shade
of disappointment in her voice.
~ must, indeed" rcjoincd. ~ have
some idea as to the nature Of the commu-
ncation he has to make, and leaving out
of consideration my duty as his former
pupil, must 20 for other reasons"
Kissing my wife goodbye, hurried off.
1t was bitter cold in the streets, and the
snow was falling in large flakes. In spite
of the distractions caused by the snow,
reached the depot in good time, and taking
seat in Car near the stove, In few
minutes was proceeding on my way to my
destination. l was awaked about midnight
by man and woman in seat before me;
the former had mentioned the # Mr..
Barton. still pretended to nut
examined my fellow travellers l.
tinizing glance. l found they Ier n
mon. looking people, evidently ~, tho
meridian of life.
81 tell you," said the woman IN a tone
of remonstrance, 'you can't deceive him
much longer. He'll find out that the boy
ran away from us, then goodbye 10 oul
allowance"
GLOW can he find it out" returned thu
man, in grutf voice, ''if you only keep I
quiet tongue in your hcad2 But yo,
always have such confoundcd lot tt
say"
Suppose you tell him his nephew i
deads" ... ..- ..
bah, that would be of no use. He
such slingy beggar, he'd stop the supple
at once"
"Now, Ralph, suppose he should be de
termined not to give you any more, wha
would you do2"
"What would do2" / would say t.
him, Look here Mr.. Barton, If you don
send me tho money you owe me to %
East Broadway before three days have eS
pircd, then if you don't sec the State priso
looming up III the distance, I'm Dutch
man,"
"Wcll, hope we shall be successful
that's all have my doubts, however"
After this they relapsed into silence, an
did not speak any more until they reache
their destination. made few notes {
this conversation in my pocket-book.
About two o'clock the next day reache