The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1886-11-11
THE MISSING WILL.

drearily in the midnight wind. as it
sighed and groaned weirdly in a fash
ion which reminds one of ghosts and
hob-goblins and almost converts the
firm non-believer into strong spirit
ualist, and unless he is possessed of the
bravery of some bold warrior of old,
makes him quake with fear.
Inside the scene was even more
sombre. Old Farmer Hazelton was
breathing his last. His aged face was
pinched and drawn with pain, his eyes
had a troubled, restless, anxious look
about them; his long, snowwhite hair
fell in bold relief against the black dress
of his adopted daughter as he lay with
his head pillowed on her shoulder.
Paralysis, that most cruel of all dis
eases, which strikes them down and
prevents them from saying that last
farewell which is so comforting and
takes so much of the bitter sting away
when parting from loved ones, had
taken possession of him and had since
rendered speech impossible; but he had
found a tender and skillful nurse in the
child he had taken and cared for as
one of his own. His wife, dying several
years before. had left him childless and
alone in the world, with the exception
of cruel, heartless stepbrother, to
whom he had not spoken for years.
He had acquired great deal of this
worlds goods, and the prediction of
everyone was that Evelyn would be his
heiress, for did he not love her as an
own dear daughter. and was he not
at enmity with his only living relative?
Farmer Hazelton looked at her
pleadingly, with longing expression
in his sunken eyes, as though he would
fain speak with them, since his lips re-
fused to do his bidding.
What is it, papa? What would you
have me do? Oh, if you could only
speak to me just once before you die,
said Evelyn in heart broken voice, as
the tears streamed down her lovely
| face.
The old man glanced restlessly from
the window to her face. The branches
of the old oak tree tapped against the
window, seemingly saying, ''here,
here''
Thinking the wind annoyed him, she
rose and closed the blind. but when
she returned there was the same de-
spairing look there, only growing more
| hopeless, as his breath became shorter
! each moment. A sudden inspiration
came over her. "Papa, do you
erly-'wish me to promise to always
stay at Oakwood?"
The dissatisfied. anxious expression
passed away, he tried to nod his head
affirmatively, but made but feeble sue
cess.
The huge old-fashioned clock chimed
twelve; the wind groaned louder than
ever; the tree kept up its ceaseless tap
ping; the old mans head dropped upon
his chest. Evelyn was alone at mid
night with the dead.
! With one hard, dry sob she fell across
his dead body. She realized in one
dreadful moment that she was alone in
the world. Her last dear friend had
gone. Kind neighbors coming in in
the morning 10 inquire his condition
and see what could be done, found them
thus. They gently led her away and
insisted upon her resting. The village
undertaken was sent for and arrange
ments made for the funeral. Poor Eve
i lyn was almost heart broken.
The next morning, going into the par
lor where he was laid out all ready for
the funeral which was to take place
that afternoon, she knelt down and
sobbed until her very frame shook with
emotion. She had knelt there but few
moments when a heavy, rough hand
was laid on her shoulder. Looking up
she perceived large, rough man stand
ing above her. Shaking her rudely, he
bade her ''rise. and no more of her nom
sense. for he meant business"
Evelyn, with quiet dignity, rose wen-
deringly, and said, who are you, sir,
and why do you thus rudely intrude on
my sorrow?"
"Who am and why do I intrude?
I'd have you understand 1 have more
right here than you-a poor pauper and
foundling. I am that old fellows
brother" nodding scornfully at the cof-
Sn. land have come to demand the will
that he left" The remembrance came
to her in an instant of the step-brother,
whose reputation went far from reas-
suring her.
They willp" in . surprised tone.
why, he didn't leave any,"
An exultant, fiendish look passed
! over his face. The thought flashed
through her head-if there was no
/ will, she was penniless, for she could
claim nothing, legally,
''Eh, didn't leave any. Well, then,
see that you hurry this old fellow off
| and you yourself take your departure
as soon as possible. You understand?
l, as the only living relative Will rail-
| heir to it all.
Her lonely condition now forced it
self upon her in all its awful aspects.
20, but, sir. ! have no place else to
60. and If was the last wish that !
should always remain at Oakwood.
! And" with decision, u shall not leave
it. for have promised, and ] hold q
promise made to the dead sacred"
1T was. ehe" he said, determined to
! insult her to the extent of his power.
and make his revenge (as he thought)
on his dead brother perfect, little think
/ ing this proud spirited girl would ac-
cept his offer. "Well, Maria and Susan
! will want maid and my wife'll want
servant 50 if you stay, you stay in
those capacities only"
| After considering moment: