The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1882-10-12

were q painfully vulgar and coarse.mind
ed set. and several fragments Of converse
iion referring to his fathers supposed ties
tamentary intentions had reached him
The idea that the old man had left vii
seemed rs the extayagsnt notion ,ha
each individual had been named in il
Though be was gnilsless as far as the,
we're concerned. Siln Popplcwell, beinl
sgitated aud unnerved. shrank from tn
task Of answering their Inquiries. while b.
was seized with sudden terror lest th,
housekeeper should take the opportunii,
to give ut.erance 10 unpleasant suspicion
When the mourners returned 10 tn,
house. Mrs. DrAycott ~ standing by th'
fireplace in the sitting room conversins
with prim professional gentleman. wht
on perceiving SiiM.. advanced to NEE
him, rubbing his hands
Mr. Popplewell. believe. he said Will
slight bow.
Yes, replied Silas. uneasily.
You, will doubtless know my name when
/ mention il, replied the other, ] am Mr..
Reeves. Of Grays' Inn Square.
Silas turned very white and his knees
trembled. for Mr. Reeves was the solicitor
who had witnessed the execution Of his
fathers will.
II beg your pardon, he said fatering-
ly think there must be some mistake. i
have not the pleasure Of you acquaintance
/ imagined your housekeeper wrote to
me by your instructions, said the solicitor,
slightly embarrassed and glancing at Mrs.
Draycott.
Iwrote because the late Mr. Hopple-
well told me to in case you did not, said
the woman locking at Silas defantly. He
wished the will to be read at the funeral
Will! what will' exclaimed Silas, with
feigned surprise. and he added. as though
bracing his nerves for the ordeal, Pray
be seated, gentlemen. and take glass Of
wine and biscuit.
Each person selected chair aud snbsid
ed into 1t with o good deal Of shutting Of
feet and coughing, but no one accepted
the profied hospitality. The dead silence
which ensued indicated breathless interest
and excitement
My father has left no will asseverated 81.
las taking up his position on the hearth
rug and endesvoring to speak calmly.
think you are mistsked, Mr. Popple-
we'll, said Mr.. Reeves, politely and firmly. |
Your father executed will in my presence
which prepared for him about q year ago
He certainly has left will---unless, OF
,ourse, he has destroyed or otherwise re-
,oked il.
The will is locked up in the iron box in
inerposed Mrs. Draycott with
lecision. / repeat that my father has no
vill, cried Sllas, angrily. Any oie is at
liberty to search the iron box il be likes.
Is Mr.. Reeves suggests, my fatbef des
royed the will. v!
don't believe it, exclaimed the house.
eeper, excitedly. Why, l saw it with
~ own eyes not month ago.
When did he destroy it? Who seed I'm
0 it? inquired voice from among the
lonrners.
He destroyed it in my presence last
It me see--last Thursday week. fetch
1 it at his request from the iron box, and
Q put it in the fire of his own free will,
I'D Silas, lying glibly.
Though affecting to recall the date
romiscuously, Silas had been careful to
repare his story beforehand. On the day
.med he sat with with his father aloue
ore than an hour during the afternoon,
lille Mrs. Draycott had been sent out on
errand If the deceased had intended
destroy the will he would probably
I'VE got the woman out of the way on
milar pretence. and the suggestion was
ausible enough. The bousekeeper gave
palpable start, and was evidently i'm
essed by the coincidence. but among the
st OF tie audience there was general
preston Of incredulity, with good
al Of headshaking and come murmur- ,
4.
Well. gentlemen, must say that Mr.. G
,pplewell's account is prel,ctly straight !
ward, interposed the lawyer, who, what a
er his private opinions might have been, u
obably thought it prudent as matter
business to side with Slas. Testators
quently revoke their will in the manner
scribed II it is any consolation to you,
ntlemen, may mention that as Tar as q
u ore concerned the existence OF tine will b
Md have made no difference to you 81
viii you tell us, Mr.. Lawyer, who will b
the money supposing what Mr.. Silas il
Is is true, inquired voice in an aggravat. W
tone. t,
Ar. Popplewell will inherit everything
next OF kin and heir at law, replied the W
'yer. m
This information excited loud chorus
and many insu lting epithets
re leveled at the head OF th 20 luckless ST.
who, pale and rembling. realized that
triumph was dearly bought, even at OF
price Of 1900. Sudd enly the stri- III
II tones Of Mrs. Draycott became audi- /
above the uproar, and con ipelled atten- If
D. er
he old villain had brol an faith with
and a sneaking scound rel he always
, and 80 he died, cried rhe. speaking hi
Ter strong excitement But am no sv
ger bound 10 keep his secret, and ] ca
II. ! say. Bill Allenl she exclaimed, m
ealing TO one OF the nourpers, you m
ht to know me, though its
'ty years or more since was ssFposed
ave died. You recollect Poll Saunders Of
old Joe Popplewell ms rned vl'ea he nj