The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-06-04

| ers- 1here were red roses, and pink
and scarlet geraniums, and few sprigs
OF green:
''Old Billy liked bright flowers" said
Little Nan. He used to throw 'em to
Inc often"
What do you do at the theatre?'
asked Miss Morrin hesitatingly.
Il M song and dance artistic" an
swered Nan proudly. Il sing songs
and dance"
''Do-do ladies attend?"
No, ma'am; only men,"
| Miss Morrin shuddered.
And you like to sing and dance be-
fore them?" she said severely.
NOT much, ma am; l git awful tired
sometimes
Then. my child, why not earn YOUR
living some other way? 1t would be
better to scrub floors all day long"
But they wouldn't pay me
What matter?" began Miss Morrin
virtuously.
But l send my money home, pretty
near every dollar" said Little Nan.
There's six of 'em besides me. Nv
mothers dead. Father don't oit but
half-wages now. I've earned a heap
the last two years, since I've bin dan
Gin. I'm the oldest one. I'm Is.
There's two dead between me and
Willie. He's II. Jennie, she's 10 and
the baby's 2. Jennie has an easier time
than l had takin' care of 'em. They're
up and out of the way now."
The wreath was finished before Miss
Morrin spoke again.
''Who taught you to dance?" she
said suddenly.
"A man my father knew He had a
theatre. I've a standin' engagement
at the Central. Old Billy was awful
good TO me. l never saw him before |
come here, but he kinder took to me.
He was poor, too. He had a claim up
the mountain, but l guess he never
struck it. He never sold much ore,
anyhow. Haint that beautiful wreathe
Billy would think it was stunnin'. He
always liked everything bright.
When the funeral was over and they
had all returned to the Grand Hotel.
Little Nan threw herself on her bed
and cried piteously. Miss Morrin heard
her sobbing, and, entering her room,
tried to comfort her. Presently Nan
sat up.
81 must dress" she said, YEARLY.
lit must be late" Her long hair fell
around her and silently Miss Morrin
took brush and began to smooth its
bright strands. Then Nan put on her
shawl and hood.
IN git 'em to let me sing Under
the Daises, she said, suddenly.
'Old Billy always liked it. He used TO
clap until I'd come out and sing it fur
him. Maybe he'll hear it Tonight
-"Maybe he will" answered Miss
Morrin with tears in her eyes. Pm
sure he will"
Spring came The snow that had
lain for months on the mountains be-
gan to melt slowly and prospectors
talked of grub-stakes- Old Billy's
claims had not been disturbed since he
died. No one supposed them of any
value 1t was known that he was with
out wife or children.
One day the chambermaid of the
Grand found sheet of tinted paper be- |
hind the bed in the room that had once
been old Billy's, She was lazy, care
less girl, and the paper had lain undis- |
turbed for more than three months. As |
she could not read writing she carried |
it to Little Nan.
But Little Nan herself could not read |
writing readily. She glanced at the few
lines on the paper and spelled out the |
name William Struthers at the bottom |
Of the page.
Maybe its somethin' bout his |
claims I'll take it to Mr.. Nickleson
He can read it right of. !"
SO on her way to rehearsal Nan
stepped into Mr.. Nickleson'S office and
handed him the little sheet of pink-tint-
ed paper.
1t took the smart lawyer from Bos-
ton but moment to discover that he
held old Billy's last will and testament
in his hand.
did you read it?" he asked. glanc-
ing keenly at Little Nan.
II didn't have time to spell it out"
answered Nan. There's nothin' bout
me in it, is there?"
Hes left his claims to you," said
the lawyer. They may not be worth
much, but they are yours. I'll find out
about them and let you know"
Don't hurry yourself, called out
Nan as she shut the door. Dear old
BillyT she thought. He did all he
could for me when he was livin' an
then he went and left me them holes in
The ground. Bet your life they haint
worth cent. He never sold no ore
from 'em.
A week later when Little Nan called
again at Mr.. NicklesOn's office the law
yer made her his very best bow.
Take a CHAIR" he said nervously.
Then he cleared bis throat. s'NIy dear
Miss Malony," he began. Il have
'ome-I may say, =" He darted into
he adjoining room and returned with
1 glass of water.
''Drink this and then l have some
hing to tell YOU"
Fire away" answered Nan. Il
laint tbursty."
"Can you bear good news?" asked
he lawyer solemnly.
Never had nome" said Little Nan.
81 have discovered, went on the
awyer, that old Billy's claims are
quite valuable; in fact he must have
made big strike some time ago, but
.or some reason of his own he took out
very little ore. Still he uncovered a
very fine body of mineral. l have just
/ good offer for it.
''How much?" asked Nan shortly.
Three hundred thousand dollars in
,ash," gPlied the lawyer slowly.
"ThatS heap O. money" said Nan
,oolly. Think 1 could git any more
ur it?''
"Well, you'll be getting fair sum-
answered the lawyer dryly. 1T would
AXE You several years to earn as much.
think you had better accept the offer"
Il don't have to divide with you, do
.?'' said Nan shrewdly. "See here.
tive me $500. 900 and I'll sell. You'll
make a lot out of it, some way, bet
your life. But mind, want it all in
money. won't have no checks. They
nighn't be good"
I'm money" gssped the lawyer.
Have you any idea how big pile
$500, 900 would make?"
mo-" said Man, but 1 reckon I
'ould lug it off some way. But won't
axe no checks until find out whether
hey're good or not. There's nobody