Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-11-10
T,I;.lA.F4RIGHT OF WAY.

WA.TRIGHT OF WAY.
You know what fright of way" is OF
course you do; everybody knows that. 1t is
simply the right to go across another mans
land in order to reach your own, which may
be remote from any highway.
OH you didn't know what fright of way
was! Well, there's nothing to be ashamed of
In that, for the lawyers themselves don't
know exactly what it is; whether it gives the
right to the shortest way across, to the origi-
nal way, or to any way that the owner of
the land chooses to grant But there's no
need of our stopping to discuss that point.
= 1t was charming piece of ground that
had selected and bought on the outskirts of
the somewhat thriving village of NJ.
There was fine view of the majestic Hudson
on one side and of the village on another.
But-there's always but-there was at the
rear of my lot, short distance away, and
hidden among growth OF neglected ever
greens and underbrush, what failed to no
tice before purchasing-an old family bury
ing ground.
wasn't used to buying building lots; that's
the amount of it, and it was fortunate for me,
as Mr.. Van Grinder had said, from whom /
bought, that was dealing with a man who
took an interest in me.
know he took an interest in me, for, In
the first place, he said he did. Then, too, he
brought me to this lot and confidentially told
me of two other men, in whom be took no in
terest possibly, l have since thought, because
Of both
ious to get it, but he was trying to hold on to
it for me. So, when had about decided to
take it, but wanted few days to think it
over in and consult my wife he counseled me
that it would be safer, not that there was any
fear Of his backing out, but it would be safer,
in case of his death or anything of that kind,
TO pay some amount down TO bind the BAR
gain. l thanked him for the hint and gave
him a round sum, cautiously taking receipt
therefor
He then incidentally led me around near
that old burying ground, and remarked what
a very inoffensive affair it was, entirely I'M
used and covered with Jrees but he hadn't
mentioned it before lest l should get sud
den and unreasoning prejudice against SO nice
piece Of property. | confess that didn't
appreciate this last evidence of consideration,
DuV bnOuBnl Ut lnedllL well anu "Ould iIthe
the best of it.
Explained to my wife, and it took more
explaining than thought it would, that dead
people were very harmless neighbors, espe-
cially when they had been dead thirty or forty
years; and they must have been very nice
people indeed to give their dead such fine
piece of ground to rest in, with view of the
water and all that.
She tartly remarEed-you know how
women will, the best of them-that she didn't
know what good view of the water was to
dead people, unless l meant their spirits and
she hoped they weren't the kind that hank
cred after view of water. But I've got
used to such little pleasantries from Maria,
and didn't let this trouble me much.
As soon as the papers could be drawn up,
paid for my lot and received the deed,
after which [ thought 1t would be nice
thing, while tn house was being built, to
have the title searched, just as q matter of
form, and so that could feel positive when
| stepped on its threshold that everything
was absolutely my own.
The professional gentleman whom l EN-.
ployed to make the search soon It'd me that
the property had passed through a good
many hands, and what was more interesting
still, that somewhere through this old farm
that my friend Van Grinder had purchased
and Of which my lot was a part, there wa,
reserved right of way" to IN old buryine
ground
was somewhat alarmed, and fastened b
Mr.. Van Grinder for an explanation.
why, my dear fellow" said he such
friendly way he had of saying my dear fel
low!1 that's of no consequence whatever
The ground is never used, as you see TO
yourself; the family long ago stopped givin
1t any care, and if any Of the heirs are to b
found you couldn't hire them TO be buried il
it. Besides, to make it doubly secure, Nv
reserved way to the ground on the othe
side" and he pulled out his map and shove
me, sure enough, right Of way mapped gu
from the road to the ground by round
about path, and through land not very avail
able for other purposes.
left him, convinced that it was all right
but still not feeling quite SO firm in my POI
session as before.
didn't like the cold blooded language
that ancient conveyance. together with
right of way to and from the said buryin
ground, for the purpose OF burying the
dead, to them and their heirs forever"
was no need of Maria's knowing anythin
about the wretched right of way" II
women are such hands to borrow trouble.
We planned our cottage, taking the plea
ure In 1t that every one does in arrangir
every room to his or her needs.
Some Of the rooms, Of course, lookt
toward the river the dining ROOM situate
in wing, or al" of the house, had a frol
window with fine view of the village al
the big church
The house was finally completed, and Il
grounds gradually, under my direction, a
sumed the proper shape, and looked all Il
more pleasing from their having been rath
rough by nature
The ascent, which had been quite stee
was reduced to number Of gentle terrace
between which the road wound GRACEFUL
We were happy in our new home, and eyel
little improvement about the place was
pleasure, though it did cost money and labc
But after few months we learned that o.
place was appreciated by others as well
ourselves.
One day a stranger called and inquired
me. After speaking of the weather and t
pleasant view he said he'd like to 10.
around the place if / had no objections"
was perfectly willing and accompanied hi
dis appearance was not progressing;
dress was rather shabby and his eyes we
everywhere except on my face; but, in sp
OF their watehfulness, be had come ne
walking too close to the kennel In viii
Bone, gigantic and much admired Engl
mastiff, spent his days, fastened by q ste
chain. The dog seemed to dislike his loo
even more than !, and could hardly be
peased.
Finally, in an embarrassed sort of way
had evidently been trying to work up to
subject gracefully, but failed-my caller ~
ned heard that my place was for sale"
assured him that was a mistake, whe
upon be said that he'd Thought likely; /
he took sort of notion to the place a
thought II it cd be bought reasonable b
like to own it"
My vanity, Of course was touched at b
ipg my choice approved, while, at the "