River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1890-07-17


Brief Both the merchant and the
lawyer greeted him with Difference and
cOrdiality. as a man whose words might
bring them prosperity or disappoint.
mens Alfred Graves rose in a Quiet
and gentlemanly manner and bowed
with the courtesy which was habitual
to him.
''Gentlemen,' the Squire said, ~
hold in my hand the will of your late
relative will at once proceed to read
it."
OF course his words commanded in.
slant attention. All bent forward to
listen.
After the usual formula, came the
following item: Il give and bequeathe
20 my nephew. James Holcomb, the sum
Of five thousand dollars, 10 be held in
trust for his children.
TO my nephew, Henry Holcomb, |
likewise give the sum of five thousand
dollars. TO be held in trust for his chill
dren. to whose sole use the income
shall annually be applied.
TO my only remaining hephew,
Alfred Graves, / give the sum of two
thousand dollars. to be appropriated to
his own use, as he may see fit
/ Il set aside the sum of two hundred
thousand dollars 20 establish a public
library in my native city. one quarter
10 be appropriated to the erection of a
suitable building. and the remainder TO
constitute a sand of which the income
only shall be employed for the purchase
of books. This library shall be named
from me the Holcomb library"
Here the notary made pause. The
merchant and lawyer sat with looks of
blank disappointment and anger which
they made no attempt to conceal
''IIe had no right to defraud his rela-
tives in this way," muttered James.
ut IS a miserable imposition" echoed
Henry Holcomb; ito put US off with a
nigsardIy five thousand dollars"
For my part, | an. satisfied" said
the young man. II have received more
than / expected"
%, yes. it will be great thing for a
beggar like you" said James, sarcastic
cally.
Il am no beggar." said the young
man. proudly.
Gentlemen said the notary, ~
have not finished reading the will"
My faithful old dog, Scipio, who is
now somewhat infirm. trust one of my
nephews will be willing to take home,
and treat indulgently for the sake of
the master TO whom he was attached"
That's cool, calculated James. "As
for me. / don't choose to be bothered
with the dog"
But" said the notary. "since your
uncle has given you a legacy, are you
not willing to incur this slight care and
expense?1
Il must absolutely refuse. Mrs. Hol-
comb does not like dogs, nor /. More
over, my uncle has treated me too
scurvily for me TO Inconvenience myself
much on his account"
Then will you take him?" asked the
notary, turning to the lawyer.
Not L. said he. Struggling his
shoulders-''The dog may starve for
aught care"
And you, sire" turning to Alfred
Graves.
Il will assume the charge of Scipio."
said Alfred Graves. 1T is slight ac-
acknowledgement for my uncle's legacy"
You may find him troublesome"
THAT will make no difference.
While he lives, he shall he comfortably
cared for"
What model nephew said the
merchant, sarcastically,
Good young mani" said the lawyer
with a sneer.
''Gentleman, said the notary, II will
now read the cOdiciL"
The two elder men looked at each
other in surprise which changed into
dismay and rage as they listened.
TO that one of my nephews who
shall agree TO take charge of my dog,
being yet unacquainted with this pro-
vision of my will. bequeathe the resi-
due of my property, amounting as near
as / can estimate to one hundred thou
sand dollars"
You knew of this" exclaimed the
elder men. turning wrathful faces to-
ward Alfred Graves.
Not a word said the young man.
II am as much astonished as you can
be"
NO one know of it except myself"
said the notary. Il congratulate you,
Mr.. Graves, on your large accession of
wealth.
Il receive it gratefully. trust |
shall make good use of it." said the
yOung man. Il hope now to repay my
parents for the sacrifices they have
made in my behalf"
IF | had but known" thought the
merchant, with bitter regret. Il hav e
thrown away fortune"
And I, chimed in the lawyer, rue
fully.
But there was no help for i. The
deed was done. The two disappointed
men left the house, feeling any thing
but grateful to the uncle who they per-
suaded themselves had cruelty wronged
them. But there was modest little
home that was made glad by the news
of Alfred's good fortune. And in his
hands the money has brought a bless
ing with it, for il has been made a
fountain of good deeds and charitable
influences. - Horatio Alger, Jr., in
Naul-ao Vg1aHa