The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-10-21
CHAPTER XXI
nnANr AS rRAYrn.

Accordingly Augusta was sworn, and
Eustacc observed that when she removed
her veil 10 kiss the book the sight of her
sweet face produced no small effect upon
the crowded court.
Then James began his examination En-
chief. and. following the lines which he
had laid down Ina his opening speech led
her slowly. while allowing her 10 tell her
own story cs much as possible. 90 the time
Of the tattooing of the will ON Korguelon
Land. All along the history had cyI.
IDENTIFY interested everybody I'm the court
not excepting the juigc-intenselyi
but now the excitement rose 60 boiling
point
well, said James. tell DTS lordsh.p
exactly how 10 came % 49, that the viii
of Mr. Mecson Was tat,ooed upon your
shoulders
In quiet. but dramatic language
Augusta accordingly narrated every dc.
tail. from the time when Mecson conldcd
20 her his rcmorse at having disinhertcd
his nephew up % tho execution Of the
will, go her suggestion, 10y tho sailor
upon her own shoulders
And now Miss Smthers, said James.
when she had done, Il am very sorry zoo
10 so, but / ia1st ask You to exhibit tle
document 20 tho court
Poor Augusta col0ud up, aud her eyes
filled with tears as she slowly undid the
dust cloak which hid her shoulders for
Of course, she had como in low dros
Tho judge looking UP sharply, observed
her natural distress
If You prefer &c. Mss Smithcrs. said
his lordship, courteously, Il win order
the court TO be- cleared of every one cX-
cept those who arc actually engaged Zoo
the case"
At these ominous words a shuddcr of
disgust passed through the dcnscly
felt, after ell their striving, be- hard 4
they We're deprived Of the sight #
Augusta shoulders, and they stared no
her despeiringly to see what she would
answer
Il thank your lordship," she said with
litt!c bow; -"hnt there would -iii ho so
many left that do not think tina, it
would greatly matter. | hope that every
body will understand my position, and
extend their consideration 10 me-
Very well, said the Judge. and with
out further ado she took of the cloak
and the silk handkerchief beneath IT, and
stood before the court dressed in low
black dress.
Il am afraid that must ask you 70
come up here. said his lordship. Ac-
cordingly she walked round. mounted the
bench and turned her back 20 the Judge.
in order that hc might examine what was
written on H. This he did very carefully.
with the aid Of magnifying glass, rc-
ferring now and again 10 the Photographic
copy which DR.. Probate had filed IN the
registry
Thank you he said. presently. chat
will Go. | am afraid that tie learned
counsel below will wish 70 have AN oppo-
tuuty of inspection
So Augusta had 10 descend and slowly
walk along the ranis. stopping before
every learned leader TO Doe carefully ey
amined. whilo hundreds OF eager ewes .l
the background were fixed upon her un
fortunate shoulders. However. at last DO
came 10 an end.
That viii Go, Miss Smiihors. said tie
Judge for whose consideration she fe.t
deeply grateful; 'y0u can put ON your
cloak again now Accordingly She
clothed herself aud re-entCred the box.
"The document which you have Just
shown the court, Miss Smithers. said
James, lis the one which was executed
upon your back in Kerguelen Land on cr
about the 22d day OF December, last
YEAR,
1T is"
1T was, understand, executed in the
presence Of the testator and the two a.
testing witnesses, All three being present
together. and The signature Of each being
iattoOed ia the presence Of the other!
1T wac
WAS the tcsiator 50 far as YOU cor'd
judge "a. the time Of the dictaiion and
execution of the Will. Of Sound MUD,
memory and UNDERSTANDING
"M"st certainly ho VA
(C1qtinned in ner, Sundays pIlerI
A,hsnrtha IL