The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1888-07-13
ORIGINAL STORY.
THE VANISHING INK.

HOW MIsERLY OLD JONES oUTwIrrED |
HIMSELF.
Old Jones was mser, and perhaps,
the worst one that ever lived, for |
though he did not go so far as to
starve himself or denying himself fire,
he certainly loved money better than
his soul.
However he had come to be fifty
years of age before he bethought him
Of his worst trick-before he became
thief in fact as we'll as in wish.
On that day he saw in the news
paper he borrowed from his neighbor,
and only returned when asked for, an
advertisement stating that a certain
person had for sale an ink which, black
as a ravens wing at first, faded in six
teen days and left no trace of what had
been written with 1t.
"An excellent ink" said the adver-
tisement, "for love letters"
Now, oil Jones never wrote a love-
letter in his life, but he certainly ad-
dressed that advertiser, and received a
small, sealed box that day; and it was
very singular that when poor David
Grimes died, his widow found only
bit of blank paper where she was sure
she had put the receipt for rent, and
that the orphan children of DR.. Dunn
discovered that their father had no
document to prove that he had paid
off the mortgage Jones held on the
place though he had thanked heaven
that it was done with his last breath.
However, nobody knew anything about
the vanishing ink, and their little house
was taken from them. One went out
as nursery governess, the other learn
ed dress-making: and Jones young
nephew, Oliver, an independent young
fellow, who never thought to curry
favor with his rich uncle, went over
to his house and gave him piece Of
his mind.
"a thousand dollars was nothing to
you, Uncle he said. 81 believe the
doctor paid it, but if he did not, how
could you turn the girls out of house
and homer"
"You have no right to dictate to me,
young man," cried old Jones. "Per-
haps you think, as my next of kin, my
money will 60 to you when die.
1t shan't; not penny of it; no, not a
penny of it. But l see what it is.
You're sweet on Kitty Dunn. You
want the house!'
Il love Kitty Dunn. shan't deny
that" replied Oliver; "but all l want is
to be able to marry her. However, Ill
work hard
"Youll wait for my old shoes" yell
ed the old man; "but l swear you
shant get a penny. Not one cent.
Get out of my house. My brother al
ways was ar abusive, insulting fellow,
and you are his image"
''Thank God ! don't resemble you,"
retorted Oliver. as he marched away,
wishing that he knew how to make
more than five dollars week, enough
at least to enable him to save Kitty
from dress making ; ashamed of his
uncle. who, he felt sure, cheated the
poor doctor and his orphans.
1t is not we'll for gentlemen of apo
plectic tendencies to fall into great
RACES. Old Jones discovered this that
night. After swearing 80 that the
only wonder was that the ground did
not open and swallow him, he had
something the nature of fit Hap
PLY for him neighbor saw him stag
ger and fall as he came out to fasten
his gate, and helped him into the house
and sent for the doctor.
The doctor came, shook his head,
and advised him to settle his affairs
and send for the minister.
stIt it as bad as that?" asked old
Jones. "No matter for the minister.
Send for Lawyer Peabody. l haven't
made my will, and if die my good
fo%r,1nothing o. ! nephew Oliver will get
all l leave
Lawyer Peabody, summoned in
haste, came at once.
81 want my will made" said old
Jones.
"Certainly, sir, said Mr.. Peabody.
| "What's a good charity?" asked Mr.
Jones.
81 beg pardon'" said the lawyer.
81 want to leave my money to some
one-somethin. away from nephew
Oliver He'll-get tiff l don't!'
painted Jones.
"There's the INDECENT Widows
Home" said the lawyer.
"Hate womenl" gasped old Jones.
"Destitute Clerks Association" said
the lawyer.
| "No; Oliver might get taken in there
in his old age. Who is the richest mar
in the county'"
| "Old Captain Waddilove-worth q
Million" said Mr.. Peabody.
"Ill leave it all to him. said the
miser.
Mr.. Peabody knew him too well tc
demonstrate. He took some paper
from the escritoire, and he also filled
up an empty ink stand with a small
bottle of ink which he found, and wen
to work. The miser, lying with closed
eyes, begged him to express his-Mr
Jones'-high respect for the character
of old Captain Waddilove, and to say
that this, as well IS that spendthriftt
should not waste his savings, was his
motive in leaving all to him unknown
as he was.
1t took two people to hold the mise
up in bed while he feebly traced hi
: | = Al. L., hn oh. IL