The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1889-12-27
JUST BY CHANCE.

we're drawing to close together. The
rays of the setting sun stole into the
room where the dying man lay, and he
watched them intently until they faded
away. He knew he would never see
them again.
Death had confronted the old lawyer
suddenly. His energies, overtaxed
through long life devoted to ceaseless
money getting, had collapsed in an in
stant almost, and left that which we call
life without the support necessary for
its further continuance.
"He cannot live through the night;
probably the end is not more than q few
hours distant the old family physician
had said but few minutes before when
the son who now sat by his fathers bed
side asked what the chances were.
The son sat with bowed head His
features were composed in an expression
of dccorous grief; his hands were folded
upon his lap, and at almost regular inter-
vals he sighed. Had he raised his head,
it would have appeared that there was
not the suspicion of tear in his eyes, and
that there fingered in their depths look
of quiet satisfaction which the lines of
sorrow that were set upon his face could
not entirely hide.
Perhaps the fact that he knew himself
to be the sole heir to his fathers wealth
had something to do with shaping the
younger mans inner feelings. Some
hearts are ruled by the desire for personal
gain rather than by affection.
Robert"
Scarcely above whisper the single
word came from the colorless lips of the
old man. The man at the bedside started
slightly, as one who is suddenly aroused
from thought that has carried him far
away from present surroundings. Then
he turned and answered: "Yes, father,
what do you wish?'
81 have been thinking of your brother,
Robert. fear that after all should
not have treated him as did,"
The old man paused, exhausted by the
effort which the words had cost him.
Anexpression that was unpleasant to see
fitted across the younger mans features.
but in an instant it was gone again.
to live," resumed the old man, "and
things appear to me in a different light
1t was heartlSss in me to disinherit and
disown Jack because he married accord
ing to his own wishes instead of my die
tates. l shall change my will; there is
enough for you both. Each shall have
half, and shall die happier"
IGVo. 60 Tho ~ ,1,o = -.
from the sons lips, but the look on his
face would have surprised the father
could he have seen it. But the gloom
was thickening and his half closed eyes
did not see.
Draw up the will as wish it, quickly,
while l have yet the strength left me to
sign" directed the dying man.
Robert went to table near by, lit a
gas jet and began to write, not at all
hastily.
why are you so long about it? A few
words will certainly be enough" impa-
tiently exclaimed the old man after the
son had been busy what seemed to be a
very long time.
Il shall be done directly. There, l
am through" replied the son, as he rose
and handed what he had written to his
father.
THAT is right" was all the latter said
after he had read the will. Then he took
the pen from his sons hand and with a
great effort signed his name.
Nov sign as witness, and call Han
nah; she will do as the other witness"
lAl -n1 Ia cia l.
called the housekeeper and she also
signed her name.
Now go to my desk and take the old
will and burn it. You will find it in the
little drawer to the right"
Robert went to the desk, took q folded
PAPER from the drawer indicated, held it
in the gas flame until it was we'll ablaze
and threw it upon the open fireplace
where it lay moment later a charred
mass
There; it is not so hard to die now,"
whispered the dying man. ~ feel that
cannot live until Jack could be sent for;
but want you, Robert, to go to him this
very night and tell him that my heart
was not steeled against him to the end
Tell him Of the will which,
Isaac Rawson ceased speaking and lay
motionless. He was dead.
1t is not yet midnight when Robert
steps aboard train that will take him
to the city where his brother, Jack, lives;
for has not his father with his dying
breath told him to so to his brother this
very nipht? Who would fail to rasnaot
the last wishes of one now dead? Surely
not son.
The city where Jack lives is not fa.'
distant; but there is a river to cross on
the way. AS the train rumbles slowly
across the bridge, Robert pauses in the