San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-04-08

And he readily acquiesced in the little
compromises she suggested for the bet
ter accommodation of the Ladies', and in
the top notch prices which she, knowing
her advantage, had the nerve to set.
Every good, he exclaimed, therefore, 81
will let you know our plans as soon as
possible" and he went to his room ut
once to write an earnest letter of invita-
ton.
And, that done, he was now free to
work. 1t would be several days at the
least before the ladies came, and mean
time, postponing sight seeing-even the
Smithsonian-he resolved to devote him
self to the claim.
He decided to begin by finding out
and making the acquaintance of law
yer who had charge of many of the
French spoliation claims. Tom Bassett
had named this attorney to him as one
with whom he had consulted
keeping the heirloom in his own hands
and as one who would prove capable
and judicious colleague in any efforts he
might make to secure legislation. But
find the lawyers name In the directory.
Baffled thus at the very start, the youth
knew no resource but to go for help to
NcArdle. He sought his office, there
fore, but the colonel was out. A brisk
young clerk told him, however, that he
believed lawyer who had an Office on
the south side of Pennsylvania avenue.
near the Washington circle, represented
some of the claimants, and could no
doubt give him the information he de-
sired. Thither he accordingly turned
his steps, and soon his eyes were glad
ened by neat sign before the door of
large private house which bore the le-
gend, Agency of the French Spoliation
Claims"
Land hoi' cried Windward, delight
ed, and he bounded up the steps and
twitched the bell
"Is MIR. Causten hereY' he asked the
servant who had come to the door.
She did not seem to understand him.
"The agent of the French claims" no
explained.
'4Oh, yes, sir. Come in" she said; and,
opening door into the parlor, motioned
him in.
Windward, on entering the apartment,
found himself amid the most unique and
surprising surroundings, but he had no
opportunity for more than glance at
the strange furniture and embellish-
ment, for his interest was at once fast
ened on the remarkable person who
rose from a reclining posture on sofa
couch to receive him. He was mani
testify an invelid and his step was feeble,
but there was beautiful dignity in his
bearing, and his head and beard were
Olympian.
"Are you Mr.. Cansten?' asked Wind
ward.
"Deadr exclaimed the stranger, in a
strange explosive voice, which startled
the visitor.
"Dead? Mr.. Causten deadT he asked,
to make sure he had rightly understood
the monosyllabic reply.
The stranger nodded. Talking was
evidently an effort, and he wished to
economic hi words.
"Indeedr' said Windward HAS 1t
been longY'
"Years," exploded the stranger, wav-
ing his caller courteously to a chair
while he reseated himself ON the sofa.
'"rhen," continued Windward, "per-
haps you represent the French claimsY'
The invalid nodded again and looked
at him earnestly, as if wishing him TO
proceed.
II have one of those claims" said
Windward, interpreting his glance.
Possibly you knew my uncle, Mr.. Bas-
settT'
The man on the couch frightened up
instantly.
"Yest" he exclaimed, breathing heav-
lily in his anxiety to be understood. "Old
Tom-good man. Where?'
"He, too, is dead" said Windward
sadly.
tom deadl" The invalid raised his
feeble hands, or hand, for one lay idly
at his side, with look Of grief and
protest, and sank back among his cush-
ions as in despair. Then as suddenly
rousing himself again he pointed nerv-
ously to a fine oil portrait of 'Stone-
WALL Jackson which hung above huge
old fashioned trunk, and from that start
ing point directed his visitors eyes to a
series of grotesque Aztec idols that stared
hideously from bureau and mantel.
Dead" the invalid gasped. 'Jack-
son-deadi Lost cause-dead! Aztecs
-dead-long ago! Causten-dead! Tom
dead! And rm-paralyzed! But the
claims-live! Claims-liver' he shout
ed; and his lustrous eyes sparkled with
indomitable resolution. The effort SEEM