The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1885-07-04


the last two years, since I've bin dam
cling. I'm the oldest; one; I'm 1s.
There Is two dead betwoen> me and
Willie, els 12. Jennie, sheis 10 and
/ the baby is 2, Jennie has an easier time
than / had taking care of 'em, They
are up and out of the way now j. %
The wreath was finished before Miss
Morrin spoke again. = A." o7s
Who taught you to dancep she said
suddenly,
"A man my father knew, He had
theatre. I've standing enlightenment at
the Central. Old Billy was awful good
to me. never saw him before came
here, but he kinder took to me. he
was poor, too, He had claim up the
mountain, but l guess he never struck
1t, He never sold much ore, anyhow.
Hain't that a beautiful wreathP Billy
would think 1t was stunning. -Healways
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.
Il must dress she said, wearily. 1T
must be late.' Her long hair fell
around her and silently Miss Morrin
took brush and began to smooth its
bright stsands, Then Nan put on her
shawl and hood.
|. 'Pll git them to let me sing Under the
Dalsies,'' she said, suddenly. old
Billy always liked it. He used to clap
until I'd come out and sing It fur him.
Maybe he will hear 1t tonight
Maybe he WILL answered Miss Nor
rim with tears in her eyes. Il am sure
he WHIP
= = y
Spring came, The snow that had
lain for months on the mountains began
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 without wife or
children.
One day the chamberinaid 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.
i But Littlo 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 something about his claims.
I'll take 1t to Mr.. Nlckleson. He can
read 1t right off,
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 Boston
but moment to discover that he held
old Billy's last will and testament In his
hand.
Did you read itP' he asked, glancing
keenly at Little Nan.
4 didn't have time to spell It out
answered Nan. "There's nothing bout
me in it, is there?'
He's left his claims to you,' said the
lawyer. They may not be worth much,
but they are yours. will find out about
them and let you know
Don't hurry YOURSELF called out Nan
as she shut the door. Dear old Billyp
she thought. He did all he could for
me when he was living and then he
went and left me them holes in the
ground. Bet your life they haint worth
cent. He never sold no ore from
them.'
A week later when Little Nan called
again at Mr.. Nickleson's Office the law
yer made her his very best bow.
Take chair he said nervously.
Then he cleared his throat. My dear
Miss Malony,' he began. 4 have some
Il may say He darted into the
adjoining room and returned with
glass of water.
Drink this and then have something
to tell you
Fire away answered Nan. 4 haint
thursty.'
Can you bear good newsP' asked the
lawyer solemnly.
Never had none said Little Nan.
4 have discovered went on the law
yer, that old Billy's claims are quite
valuable; in fact he must have made
big strike some time ago, but for some
reason of his own he took out very little
ore. Still he uncovered a very fine
body of mineral. Ihave just had good
offer for it.
How muchp asked Nan shortly.
Three hundred thousand dollars in
cash. replied the lawyer slowly.
That is heap of money said Nan
coolly.. Think / could git any more
fur itP' r|
well, you viii be getting fair sum-
answered the lawyer dryly. 1t would
take you several years to earn as much.
think you had better accept the offer,
4 don't have to divide with you, do
I?' said Nan shrewdly. See here.
Give me ssOO.OOO 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 any checks. They
might not be good
In money! gasped the lawyer. Have
you any idea how big pile $500. 900
would make?'