The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1882-10-17

dinary predileciIoD for her as manifested
by his will, Silas was struck by an ex-
preston OF determination on the wo.
mans face which seemed to indicate
desperate character. He began to sus-
pect that she had forged the will by the
aid OF accomplices and was waiting with
calmness the issue Of her Vaccinations
If so, she was doomed to disappoint-
ment, thought Silas, and he chuckled at
the notion of having frustrated such an
Infamous scheme.
When the day Of the funeral arrived
Slas felt strangely nervous; he was very
much upset by the unexpected number
of mourners, the mere fact OF having tn
provide gloves and Grape on such an ex-
tended scale heing suffi to cause
him serious vexation. Old Joseph Pop
plewell was man of very humble orr
gin, having, in fact, commenced life as q
common labOrer, and Silas knew scarcely
any of his fathers relatives; seve.
raj of these turned up, however, without
being invited, and Silas resented their
presence very much, not only because
he was not anxious to claim kinshio with
them, but because they would no doubt
make particular inquiries about the des-
tinstion, of the old mans properly
1t is to he feared that Silss suffered
his mind to wander gooi deal from his
old fathers obsequies; be may have had
soft corner in his heart for the old
mans memery, but nervousness and ap-
prehension rendered it inaccessible on
this occasion The solemn words of the
burial service fell UNDECIDED on his ear,
for bis mind was disturbed by the pros
pect of having to explsin to his relatives
that his father bad died intestate. His
newly discovered kinsmen were pain
fully vulgar apa coarse minded set, and
several fragments of conversation refer
ring 10 his fathers supposed testamenta-
ry intentions had reached him. The idea
that the old man had left will seemed
as general as the extravagant notion that
each Individual mourner had been named
in it. Though he was guitless as far as
they were concerned, Silas Popplewell
being agitsted and unDerved, shrank
from the task of answering their inqui-
ries, while he was seized with sunden
terror lest TIE housekeeper should take
the opportunity to give utterance to un-
pleasant suspicion.
When the mourners returned to the
house Mrs. Dravcott was standing by
the fire place in the sitting room conver-
sing with prim, professional looking
gentleman, who. on perceiving Sias, ad-
vanced to meet him, rubbing his hands.
"Mr Popplewell, believe" he said
with slight bow.
"Yes," replied Silas uneasily.
"You will doubtless know my name
when I mention it," replied the other !;
81 am Mr.. Reeves, of Gray's Inn
Square"
SIas turned very white and his knees
trembled, for Mr.. Reeves was the solici-
tor who had witnessed the execution OF
his fathers will"
ell beg your PARDON" he said fall
teringly; 81 think there must be some
mistake have not the pleasure of your
acquaintance"
81 imagined your housekeeper wrote
to me by your instructions" said the So
licitor slightly EMBARRASSED and glancing
at Mrs Draycott.
II wrote because the late Mr.. Popple-
ton told me to in case you cid not" said
the woman looking toward Silas defiant
". "He wished the will to be read at
the funeral
"Will! what will" exclaimed Sllas
with feigned surprise; and then he add
ed, as though braGing his nerves for the
ordeal. "Pray he seated gentlemen, and
take a glass of wine and biscuit"
Each person selected a.chair and sub
sided into it with good deal of shuffing
of feet and coughing, but no one accept.
ed the profftred hospitality. The deal
silence which ensued indicated breathless
interest and excitement.
"My father has left no will" assevera
ted Silas, taking up his position on the
hearthrug and endeavoring to speak
! calmly.
81 think you are mistaken, Mr.. Pop.
plewell," said Mr.. Reeves politely bu,
firmly. "Your father executed a will in
my presence, which / prepared for him
about a year ago He certainly has left
a will-nnless, of course, he has destroy
ed or otherwise revoked it"
"The will is locked up 10 the iron "
in the study" interposed Mrs. Drayco.
with decision.
81 repeat that my father has left nc
will" cried Silas sngrlly. "Anyone i:
at liberty to search the iron box il b,
likes. As Mr.. Reeves suggests, my fa
lher destroyed the will"
Il don't believe it," exclaimed tht
bousekeeper excitedly. "Whv, saw i
with my own eyes not month ago"
When did be destroy it2 Who seet
i'm do II" inquired voice from among
the mourners.
ale DIES royed it in nv presence las
Jet me s,e-lsst Thursday week.
fetched it at his request from the iror
box, and he put it in the fire of his owl
free WILL" SAID Silas, living glbly.
Though affecting to call the date pro
miscuously, Silas had been careful ,t
prepare this story beforehand, On til,
day namel he had sat with his fathe
alone for more than an hour during th,
afternoon, while Mrs. Dravcott had beeI
sent out on an errand. If the deceased
had intended TO destroy the will h.
would probably have got the woman on
Of the way on similar pretense, ant
the suggestion was plausible enough. Th
housekeeper gave palpable start, ant
was evidently impressed by the coinci
dence, but among the rest of the audi
ence there was general expression o
incredulity, with good deal of heat
shaking and some murmurs.
"Well. gentlemen, must say that Mr.
Popplewell's 8 account ia perfectly straight