Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-10-25
somewhat subdued and Ill at ease m the

shortly.
''Dcar me, Poor fellowr' exclaimed
the lawyer, abSently, rs he unfOlded the
will with dclibcration. Now, this is a
very unsatisfactory document he ad-
dcd in confidential tone. To begin
with it is sixteen years old. ENtraordin-
qry that the testator should not have
changed his views in sixteen years"
Mr.. Bold glanced up at Capt. Rosseter
as he spoke; but the latter either had
nothing To say or else did not choose TO
commit himself to an opinion. He re
maiued silent, and Mr.. Bold instinctively
mistruStel him the more on account of
his TeticcnCc.
by his will. made sixteen years ago
said the lawyer, meaningly, the testa-
tor left everything he possessed to his
daughter, and appointed you sole executor
and trustee and guardian Of his child"
The lawyer looked keenly at his com
paniun as he made this announcement,
and felt puzzled by his dcmeanOr. But
being in a suspicious mood, he was
chiefly struck by the fact that Capt.
Rosseter studiuusly avoided meeting his
gaze.
II suppose the young lady, Miss Tre
mayne, is still alive" inquired Mr.. Bold.
Yes" answered the captain.
'She must be nearly grown up" con
tInued Mr.. Bold.
The captain nodded, but seemed by his
manner To wish to change the subject
Mr.. Bold noticed this at the time, and
thought good deal about il afterward
"Of course. CaIs. RoSseter," said Mr.
Bold, in his most convincing and au-
thOritative tone, you will not take upon
yourself the responsibility thrust upon
you by this will, which, no doubt, was
never intended 10 stand"
why do you say that" inquired the
captain, rather quickly.
We'll, frankly. Capt. Rosseter, be-
tween you and me, do yOu consider that
you are fitted TO be a young lady's guard
ian, Excuse my OutspOkenness," added
the lawyer, endeavoring to soften his re
marks by smiling and showing his false
teeth; but, really now, would you, in the
testator's place
Anyhow, there is the will, " interposed
Capt. Rosseter, evidently not liking the
insinuatiOn.
Yes, here is the will, hut l should
certainly advise you to wash your hands
of it," said Mr.. Bold, in fatherly man
ner. "What propose to do is TO pay the
money-by the way, suppose there is
money!
Il suppose so, said the captain, with
real or affected carelessncss.
Pay the money into court, and get q
legal guardian appointed, " resumed Mr.
Bold, with cheerful confidence. "You
will thus he relieved of all responsibility
and trouble
The captain, who had become very red
and uncomfortable, made no answer to
this suggestion, but stretched out his
hand and took up the will. He read it
through carefully, and then proceeded to
fold it up.
Il am entitled to have this, ! suppose?"
he said, almost defiantly.
We'll -er-yes, in striCtness, - replied
Mr.. Bold, completely taken aback.
But it has to be proved and deposited in
the probate court"
Yes, know, " replied the captain, ris-
ing from his seat and thrusting the docu-
ment into his pocket.
Am l to understand" gasped Mr..
Bold, turning crimson, that you pro-
pose to employ your own SOLICITOR"
Il have a solicitor" said the captain,
shortly Good day TO you, Mr.. Bold"
Stay! Stay, sir" exclaimed Mr.. Bold,
endeavoring TO control his indignation,
which almost chOked him. II must
trouble you TO give me a receipt for the
document
by all means" said the captain, who
seemed TO have recovered his assurance
The lawyer struck the hand bell upon
his table sharply, and with forced calm
ness instructed Whitaker TO prepare the
necessary receipt. This foTmality being
completed. the captain strobe out of the
Office, leaving the lawyer and his clerk
staring at one another in speeChless in
dignation.
The man is a rogue said Mr.. Bold
as soon as he could speak.
means to collar the money, " remarked
the clerk.
Not if can help it, exclaimed Mr.
Bold, with unusual energy. "TH apply
to the court immediately and have the
man removed Stom his office"
"YOu VIII have to get evidence first, "
said Whitaker, prudently.
pooh! his reputation will be suffi-
cient," returned Mr.. Bold, impatiently
However, when he came to make in
quiries about Capt. Rosscter-which he
proceeded TO do forthwith in the heat of
his virtuOus indignatiOn-he found it
more difficult than he had imagined to
convict him Of serious misconduct The
captain had led the life Of n man
about town, had had numerous transac-
tions with the money lending fraternity,
had played high and drunk pretty freely,
and there We're dark corners in his
career which would not, perhaps. have
stood the test OF CensOriOuS investigation,
but there was no recorded act of his that
could he pointed out aS diSgraCClUl or dis
honorable. To Mr.. BOld'S secret NcNatiuu
he found that people were inclined TO
ju &c the lptain leniently. Moreover, it
seemed that during the last year rr two
Capt Rosseter had abandoned his usual
hauuts and occupations, had given up
cards and had shown distinct sy,-rtoms
of sober responsibility. The result was
that the lawyer could not see his way to
make case against Capt. Rosseter.
At length, however, after many weeks
had elapsed, Whitaker came into his
masters room one day with a startling
piece of Intelligence. The ever watchful
clerk had discovered that Capt. Rose
ter had purchased for himself an estate
at Stanmore for 5000.
AT least he bought it in his wife's
name" explained Whitaker. But the
question is where did the money come
from:'
'IOOu heavens. cNCillUleu MT. BOlu.
Married, eh! is he2 l heard rumOr,
but he isn't supposed to be married.
However, as you say, the question is
where did he get that 81, 600 from:"
Il don't think it is difficult to guess" I"
said Whitaker, with grin.
"Pon my word, Whitaker, I'm afraid
it is case of a serious fraud. l know for
certain that the man has not g., 900 of his
own" said the lawyer, getting excited.
81 wonder where the young lady iS''
exclaimed Whitaker
I'VE must find out said Mr.. Bold,
energetically. Overland & Co. gave
you the address OF the school at Brigh
ton, didn't they? Well, you must go
down there at once Whitaker and trace
her. l feel it my duty to investigate
this matter, for | should not be the least
surprised if it transpired that this Capt.
Rosseter has been helping himself to the
trust money
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