Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-11-10

mother died IN giving me birth; shortly
after my father. whose name was Carol
Preston, went 20 Philadelphia, leaving
me to the care of my mothers sister
my aunt. After living there a year OF
two he went abroad on business and died
there. Some years after my uncle. with
whom l lived, heard that he had married
/ again in Philadelphia, but that was never
verified. Both my aunt and uncle are
dead; they had no children.
What disposition was made of his
property
HE had none to dispose of except his
personal effects, and while uncle was
satisfied as to his death. 80 much diff
Guilty surrounded the obtaining of in
formation that he made no effort to Sc
cure tit amounted to SO little"
Had he no relatives
Eyes. brother who left home Young
and died before he was of age; and sis
ter-a maiden lady who died in Plain
field ten years ago. She left a small
prope ty to Annie here"
"Hcr grand niece?'
"Yes, she was very fond Of her."
"Was her property inherited"
Eyes, from her father"
"Why then did not your father have
property"
He did; but he lost it in speculation. "
"Oh! Did your son leave property
"He must have left some, for during
the very last conversation l had with
him he told me he had been fortunate
in business during the past three years,
and had made some profitable invest
mentS."
eve have not thought of that" broke
in the sister, ''only of this terrible MUIR
der and how to clear up its mystery"
at ought to be thought Of. though"
replied Holbrook gravely; "the way to a
solving of the mystery may be through
an examination of his business affairs
Pardon me, were you and Mrs. Temple
ton dependent on your brother?"
mo; when we became of age he re-
fused to take his share of the property.
but settled all on mother"
''It was not much when divided, he
said" broke in the mother, "but when
left as whole it was more than enough
for Annie and myself"
''He studied law and was admitted to
the bar said the sister, but, failing to
get practice, he went into the real estate
business"
Had your son no very intimate
friend?"
Eyes. one; but he is in China now and
has been for year"
''Was your son engaged to any young
lady or attentive to any one?"
''None that know of or ever heard Of"
The sister confirmed this statement
eagerly. 1t was evident that both were
jealous of the supposititious young lady.
The young lawyer unused moment.
Finally he asked: Are you acquainted
with Mr.. Witherspoon?"
"Witherspoon? l never heard the
name before, replied the mother. "Did
you. Annie?"
NO, never did"
Nor person by the name of Ash
grove?' continued the lawyer.
No" said both together.
Never knew or heard of young lady
named Flora Ashgrove:"
Never" said the mother
The name has familiar sound, said
the girl wonderingly. lis she not a
fashionable young lady of this city whose
name is in the papers frequently
The lawyer smiled and answered,
Yes"
'Stop" cried the girl suddenly. Il
recollect once when my brother was at
home l lifted coat he had thrown upon
chair, and letter fell from the pocket
signed Flora Ashgrove.' l handed it to
him and he said: An invitation to a
dinner l went to last week-from one of
my customers Do you have ladies for
customers | asked, and he said: Quite
frequently, but this lady writes for her
uncle, who has been one of my best Gus
toners.
Has been?" queried the lawyer
THAT is the way he spoke remem-
Der, for it conveyed the idea to me he
was so no longer. But why do you ask
these questions:"
There is nothing significant in Them"
said the lawyer, seeing the interest he
had aroused. Il called at the house of
Mr.. Witherspoon, who is doubtless the
uncle referred TO by your brother, on the
day following the murder. Miss Ash
grove seemed TO be much shocked at the
murder, and said she was acquainted
with Mr.. Templeton. In looking at this
matter and in trying to help YOU. am
grasping AZ straws in every direction.
There is no more significance in the
question concerning her than in the
others"
But" he continued, Il have one
piece of advice to give you and which |
must urgently and respectfully press.
and that is that you take immediate
steps with regard to your sons business
and property. In that way you NAV
come upon revelations you little dream
of now.
What should we do:' asked the sister.
"You should consult reputable law
yer, place the matter in his hands, and
be guided By HIM"
Are you not lawyer
Yes. am lawyer" he replied, "and