Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-05-09
CHAPTER XIII.

Captain coward.
In vain Fingal struggled under the ter
fiblegrip of Starbright. He was as babe
Of giant. he could not even
cry out for help, and had not a third person
on the scene at that moment the
angry Captain might have perpetrated MUIR
Ter then and there.
AS Fingal was sinking down helplessly
, door opened and some one appeared on
rhe veranda, a man who, taking in the sit
nation at a glance, sprang at once to the
rescue and tore the enraged Captain from
his victim. When Star-bright faced about
ne found himself confronted by Austin
Wepayyerd, the StoRefield mechanic.
EAe two had not come in contact in many
weeks, not since the scene in the grove
where they collided with what would have
BEEN fatal results but for the interference
IF Louis FIngal, who, as it will be remem-
pered, saved the Captains life at that time.
To-day the mechanic had met Grace Pen
roy and reconciliation had taken place, ali
II which had been brought about through
the good Offices of the young hunter and
LuBa Joyce. The latter, however, had alb
sented herself from Lone Hollow since her
sarrow escape from death at the hands Of
Captain Starbright.
manded Wentword, sternly, as he faced
the Captain.
He insulted me. | meant TO punish him
for insoleRce.n
Fingal, looking pale and weak, leaned
against.a post and regarded the two men
you are a miserable coward, 2 declared
the indignant Wentword II have notion
to thrash youblind."
I" l think you had better let the Job OUT
sneered St3rbright, as he laid his hand on
the buttsof a revolver that protruded from
his hip pocket.
This movement was observed by Fingal,
who cried;
Draw weapon, Captain, and it will be
worse for you
Then the rattle of wheels fell on the ears
of all. A carriage halted in front OF the
great mansion, and little, thin old man
alighted.
Captain Starbright at once recognized
hislawyer from Stonefield. Something Of
must have sent him here so
soDn.after his interview with his client
Tie Captain was at once anxious TO be rid
of the two men, and so, forcing laugh, he
sad
~ was angry, gentlemen. | beg your
pardon for what has occurred. Ihope we
may befriends hereafter"
Then he actually held out hand toward
Fingal The young hunter disdainfully re.
fuseGfthe proffer of friendship. Plucking
the sleeve Of the mechanic he led him down
the steps, and the twain.hurried away with
opt attempting to continue the conversa-
tiOn.
Il should like to know what brings that
sneaking lawyer here just now,n said
Fingal, after they had passed into the road
'sFhe Captain employs him, evidently
s'Evidently, and - but the schemes Of
that man must be thwarted. have learned
something of the utmost importance during
the last few days. | think that scoundrel
wilfhear something drop before he IS many
days older"
What have you planned.'
This, to place detective in the house in
the person of Lura Joyce
''Then you have seen her, and know that
she stllt}ivestN
81 have She will help us TO thwart tho
evil Captain and save the Penroys. OF
course, Grace can not be deceived by him
further
''No. have found her true as steel, and
determined to assert her rights.
In the meantime Captain Starbright and
Seekmore Gripes met on the veranda. The
Captain saw that in the face Of his lawyer
that told him 10 expect good news.
1.-THE will has been found"
This, then, was the good news that brought
Mr.. Gripes 50 swiftly to Lone Hollow
The two men consulted for short time on
the veranda.
Mrs Pcnroy has not yet attempted to
carry out her threat, = proceeded the Cap
tain, after short consultation. "Would It
not be best for YOU to show her the will and
explain the situation. 1t may save consid
cradle trouble in the future"
"You are right, Captain" agreed the
lawyer. n will see Mrs, Penroy, Let us
hope that she may be sensible. In any
event she can only cause delay and trouble,
without affecting the result am satisfied
now that she had nothing to do with stealing
the will IL was simply the act OF common
thief for the hope Of reward"
This was a Keen relief to Captain Star
bright, who had no idea that the woman
who had returned the will to Lawyer Gripes
was Mother CABRERA, who he supposed many
miles away by this time.
Mrs Penroy had just taken sniff from
her gold snuff-box when Seekmore Gripes
was announced
II am come, madam" he said, in his
keen, business like voice, ito seek an ad-
iustment Of the affairs Of your late la
mented father The will that | had the
honor OF drawing before Mr. Vandible died,
and which was left in my care, has not
been yet read to the heirs at law. The delay
has been unavoidable, but | am sure you
will overlook it, since ! find the business
affairs of the deceased in q somewhat mixed
condition.
He caressed his knee with the back OF his
hand, and regarded a distant object
tixcdly, his bald head moving up and down
as he talked. When he paused she made
no reply, and then he drew forth a large
envelope ana proceeded 70 unfold its con-
tents.
This is the last will and testament OF
your lamented father"
II thought he left no will, Mrs Peuroy
interrupted at this point. 1T seems little
strange that so many weeks have passed
without its being produced.
II can explain that satisfactorily pro.
eeeded Mr.. Gripes. " You will please
listen TO the reading Of the will.
She made no objection, and so he read tho
document which left the Vandlbe million
10 Grace Penroy, provided that she married
Clinton Starbright, and lived to reach her
majority. In case Of her death before com
ing of age or her refusal TO become Mrs
Starbright, then the property reverted 70
he Captain.
II will be remembered that the dying old
millionaire was not aware OF the clause re-
garding Grace's marriage.
Although Mrs Penroy was not one OF the
brightest women in the world, this clause
n the will at once aroused her suspicious
She believed she saw chance TO break the
will. even should she fail 10 prove that the
signature was forgery. She was COM
oletely out with Captain Starbright now.
and determined on securing the wealth left
1y her father for herself
Does Grace know OF the contents nf that
paper ASKED the widow, nervously partaS
ne Of pinch OF snuf.
mot yet. expect 10 read il TO her a.
,nce"
"YouT manner Of proceeding seems TO me
extraordinary" asserted Mrs Penroy. Il
shall not submit TO be dsinhcrited by a
forged will 2
MADAM, haze a care" uttered Mr..
Gripes, warningly.
ut is forgery, and / can prove It" relt-
Grated the faded lady with nervous en-
phasis.
MADAM, / would advise you 70 proceed
a a sensible manner Sc far as an can