Nevada County picayune., 1890-03-12
JUST BY CHANGE.

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 law yer suddenly. His energies, over taxed through long life devoted to ceaseless money getting, had col lapsed in an instant, almost, and left that which we call life without the support necessary for its further con- 1 tinuance.
 "He cannot live through the night probably the end is not more than . few hours distant," the old family physician had said but few minutes before when the son, who now sat by his father bedside. asked what the chances were.
 The son sat with bowed head. Hl. features were composed in an eX- prcssion of decorous grief; his hands were folded upon his lap, and at al most regular intervals he sighed i Had he raised his head it would have | appeared that there was not the sus- l picion 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 him. self to be the sole heir to his father $ wealth had something to do with shaping the young mans inner feel ing. Some hearts are ruled by the desire for personal gain rather than by affection.
 "Robert.
 Scarcely above whisper the sin. gle word came from the colorless lips of the old man. The man at the bedside started slightly, as one whC IS suddenly aroused from thought that has carried him far away from present surroundings, Then he turned and answered:
 "Ycs, father. what do you wish?''
 "I have been thinking of youl brother, Robert, l fear after al that l should not have treated him as l did"
 The old man paused, exhausted by the effort which the words had caused him. An expression that was unpleasant to see fitted across the young mans features, but in an in- stant it was gone again.
 "l know that l have but shor, time to livo,' resumed the old man, "and things appear to me in differ ent light. It was heartless in me to dsiDherit Jack because he married according to hls own wishes instead of my dictates. shall change my will; there is enough for you both. Each shall have half, and 1 shall die happier"
 "Yes, father.' The words came gently from the sons lips, but the look on his face would have sur. prised the father could he have seen it. But the gloom was thickening and his half-closed eyes did not see.
 'Draw mp the will as wish it., quickly, while have yet the strength left me to sign" directed the dying man.
 Robert went to the table near by, lit gas jet and began to write, not at all hastily.
 "Why are you so long about it! A few words will certainly be enough, v impatiently exclaimed the old man after the son had been busy what seemed to be very long time.
 'I shall be done directly. There, 1 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.
 "Now sign as q witness, and cal Hannah; she will do as the otheI witness. v
 Robert affixed his signature then he called the housekeeper and sh' also signed her name,
 Now 90 to my desk and take th' old will and burn it. You will i'nt if in the little drawer to the right.