San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-06-30
Ten Minutes to TW6lV6.:
By N. G. MCLELLANQ.

Copyright by American Press AsssociatinnI
Than a little arT:-ary, Which, however,
was in accordance with the character of
the testatrix. The property, of consid-
cradle value and duly enumerated, with
the exception of a small legacy or two,
was left absolutely to John Hart Royal
and Phyllis Royal as a marriage gift, pro-
vided their marriage to each other should
take place between the hours of IL and 10
o'clock on Dec. %, is. In the event of
the marriage not taking place on the day
and during the hour appointed, there
were restrictions laid upon the property
which would prove a serious annoyance
to the legatees; and in the further event
of the marriage not taking place at all,
the entire property was to be converted
into money and divided, share and share
alike, among her kindred of Royal blood
from the first to the third degree, Phyllis
and John to have an equal portion with
the rest, but not q silver more on behalf
of nearer kinship.
The story was given in short sentences,
with rests between to spare the patients
strength. The energetic Drain of the
listener grasped the situation in its en-
tirety, and his sympathies were more
than ever aroused. To him it appeared
a terribly mean advantage to take of the
power which the possession of wealth
confers. His first FESTIVE impulse was to
say, LET the money go to the devil,
and marry the young lady to suit your
SELF" but a glance at the face before
him sent back the words unspoken. A
well man, hale and strong, could afford
to assert his independence, to take his
own life and that of another into his
WI hands. But when a man lay dying
the case was different; he must do that
which he could, not that which he
would, to secure the future of the wom-
an thrown so absolutely upon his honor
and protection. Royals pity for the pair
grew apace, and he felt that there was
not much he would stick at to circum-
vent the misery entailed by that Gin
iquitous will" as he styled it in his
thought.
"Are there many kindredP' he queried,
forgetful that his own name might entitle
him to a position as residuary legatee.
"Legions of EN-" John Royal respond
ed irritably. my aunt had forty-five
first cousins, and the bulk of them of Roy
al blood. I've heard her say SO scores of
times. In the second count. God and the
census taker alone know what the tally
may be. 'Tisn't worth while even to
wonder about the tlird. lisa good prop
erty, but the sands of Egypt wouldn't
divide up handsomely among the Royal
clan"
After a moment he went on: 81 feel
like the veriest scOundrel that ever drew
breath! But for her determination to
bring about this marriage my aunt
would have left her money to Phyllis.
The only thing l can do for her now is
to marry her before 10 o'clock tomorrow,
and God only knows how it's t be man
aged! That, cursed accidentt' His eyes
were filed with yearning pain.
The doctor smiled cheerily and looked
at his watch. Don't fret" he said; Its
bad for you. The marriage is the main
thing, and we can secure that, I'll take
that 4:30 train and go after the young
lady, and you can be married at once.
The conditions, whatever they may be,
must be put up with. It's a case of half
a leaf or no bread. By tie way, what
are the conditions?" He rose as he put
the question.
''That neither Phyllis nor myself shall
touch one cent of the moDoy ~ T.
years, dating from midday to-mw-~'
1.-THE devil!'
"YOu may we'll exclaimg'- .sxSasaxKs
fast and bitterly. THE marl1%s ~.
fore - o'clock tomorrow would leave
my poor girl comfortable and cared for;
after u, as good as a pauper. And she's
helpless-helpless'- His voice broke
and he turned his head away.
Royal felt something hot and singing
rush into his own eyes; his heart ached
for the pain he could not mitigate.
The head on the pillow turned again;
eyes sought Royals appealingly, CO.
.ercively:
Man, have you no help for me?
Haven't you science or skill enough to
put vitality into this miserable carcass
sufficient to enable me to drag it a few
further? Can't you do anything
me?' The sense of impotence was
strong upon him; his voice was hoarse
and feeble, his eyes showed that he
knew beforehand what the answer
must be.