Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1890-07-10

las to that, have no idea. There
is 10 question that we ought to be joint
heirs
True" said James. THAT would
give us an eighth of million apiece.
That would satisfy me-"
How about Alfred's chances?"
queried the lawyer, CHANGING sharply
towards that part of the Office where the
young man was quietly seated.
''Oh, he'll get nothing" said the mer-
chant, CONTEMPORARY. HE belongs to
beggarly stock, and beggar he'll re-
| main to the end of his days. Going to
| be doctor, hear"
well, wish him joy of his profess
sion, if he ever gets in it, which is some
what doubtful. He wanted to borrow
three hundred dollars of me the other
day."
''And of me. Did you let him have
| it?'
Not I. I've enough to do with my
| money without giving it away. Of
course he'd never have repaid it"
mo, suppose not. The GOODNESS of
| some people is refreshing
We'll, L take it for granted old Adam
was too shrewd Co lavish any of his
money on SuCn 1ellOW.
Trust him for that"
| The young man was engaged in read.
| ing volume he had taken up, and did
| not hear this conversation. 1t was
| interrupted by the entrance of Squire
| Brief Both the merchant and the
| lawyer greeted him with Difference and
| cordiality, as a man whose words might
bring them prosperity or disappoint-
| ment. Alfred Graves rose in a quiet
and gentlemanly manner and bowed
| with the courtesy which was habitual
to him.
| Gentlemen" the Squire said, II
| hold in my hand the will of your late
relative. l 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
to my nephew, James Holcomb, the sum
of five thousand dollars, to be held in
trust for his children.
''To my nephew, Henry Holcomb, L
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.
ITO my only remaining nephew,
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 to establish a public
library in my native city, one quarter
to be appropriated to the erection of a
suitable building, and the remainder to
constitute fund 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.
"He had no right to defraud his rela-
| tives in this way" muttered James.
| st is miserable IMPOSITION" echoed
| Henry Holcomb; ito put us off with a
niggardly five thousand dollars"
For my part, 1 am satisfied" said
| the young man. Il have received more
than l expected"
20, 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, 81
have not finished reading the will"
My faithful old dog, Scipio, who is
now somewhat infirm, l 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" CIRCULATED James. "As
| for me, / don't choose to be bothered
with the dog"
| But" said the notary, "since your
uncle has given you legacy, are you
not willing to incur this slight care and
expense?'
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 l care"
And you, sir?" turning to Alfred
Graves.
81 will assume the charge of Scipio,"
said Alfred Graves. ut 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 a model nephew said the
| merchant, Sarcastically,
Good young mani" said the lawyer
with sheer.
''Gentleman," said the notary, u will
now read the codicil."
The two elder mon looked at each
| other in surprise which changed into
dismay and rage as they listened.
ITO 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 word" said the young man.
| 81 am as much astonished as you can
be-"
mo one knew of it except myself"
said the notary. II congratulate you,
Mr. Graves, on your large accession of
wealth."
81 receive it gratefully. 1 trust
shall make good use of it," said the
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