Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-11-25
UNCLE HIRAM'S WILL.

Dr1uSe.
THAT is, providing she will within
the space Of one year from my death
become the wife of my former part
ner's son, Chester Duncan.
eff she refuses to wed he before
mentioned Chester Duncan the whole
ceive as a portion the inlaid silver cas-
ket, which is already in the hands of
my attorney"
Thus read the VIII of Hiram Stock
bridge. who in life had been accounted
one of the richest merchants in Cal
cutta.
Twelve months had elapsed since the
ments of Helen Stockbridge, in the
City of Palaces, were well filed with
friends who were interested in the
welfare of the young lady who, since
the death Of her only relative. had
lived quietly with her faithful servants
and a loving nurse.
"Helen, do you realize that but an
hour remains Of the time set by your
uncle for you to consent to marry me-"
IL.
''Were there only sufficient time for
me to pronounce the No. my lips
would breathe that SYLLABLE
GAS you will. But remember, when
you begin to experience poverty you
need never look to me for assistance"
and he glared triumphantly upon the
lovely face before him.
but placed her hand confidingly within
the arm Of an English officer. who at
that moment stepped to her side.
''Como with me out on the veranda,
Robert" said she, turning her back
upon her prosecutor.
The hands upon the watch of the
executor of the singular will marked
the time to be five minutes before mid
night, and the legal gentleman sought
Helen on the veranda, where she was
seated by the side of the man she loved.
Miss Stockbridge, the hour is come
for you to decide whether you will
follow the dictates Of your relatives
will or not"
''Mr. Hamilton, you knew my mind
a year ago. 1t is the same now. Never
theless, I will plainly express it before
my guests"
The young lady seated herself at the
table with all the dignity of queen,
and was outwardly, the calmest of the
group.
The lawyer read the will, and as he
finished there remained but sixty Sec
onds to the hour of midnight. During
that brief interval of time the silence
which reigned in the room was oppres-
sive
When the silvery tones Of the clock
upon the mantel broke the stiffness
sigh of relief was heard from nearly
every one.
AS the last note Of the gong died
away Helen Stockbridge arose, and in
a clear, firm voice said:
my friends. / heartily thank you for
the kindly interest which you have
taken in this affair." l am proud to
say in every case but one it was
awakened by affection for me. Of the
single exception 1 will say nothing at
the present time" and she cast a look
of scorn at the dark features of Chester
Duncan
"Still Miss Stoc<bridgo volr uncle
has left you something Herr Is the
casket," and Mr.. Hamilton took from
the hands of his servant a small silver
box. which was carefully wrapped
round with tape and fastened with
seal. This he placed upon the table
before it's fair owner. saying. as he
did so:
at is yours. Miss Helen, to open
when you will. But with a smile
will admit that for one am extremely
curious as to it's contents
Il shall be only too happy to crafty
you an' replied Helen, as she burst
the frail bands, and then with u golden
key attached to the handle upon the
lid she opened the casket.
Within, fastened to cushion of Grim
son satin by a diamond brooch, was
slip Of paper on which three or four
lines of writing were visible
''It is in the Bengalese language" OBJ
served the young lady, land concerns
me alone. But 1 will assure you all
that the message contains nothing that
tends to set aside the original will,
consequently the son of my uncle's
partner may enjoy his fortune in
peace"
The latter portion of the remark was
delivered in tone in which contempt
and loathing was blended.
Six months elapsed. Gliding over the |
placid waters of the harbor of Bombay |
was a small. 1ateen-rigged craft, on the |
deck of which stood young man in |
the undress uniform of British officer |
Tt was Robert Esterbrook. His whole !
attention was occupied with a slip Of
paper, which was the same that had !
been secreted in the silver casket.
'Drop a weighted line from the cob /
ra's head in the hand of SILVA Eleven /
PAGES southeast from the spot which I
the plunmet touches will be found ,
legacy BETTING royalty itself. 1t is the
gift of an Indian prince to his friend. |
Hiram Stockbridge. in return for the |
saving of a precious life"
Beneath were a few words in Eng |
fish. which read: sSThe above-mention-
ed treasure of the raiah I beGuath tn |
my beloved niece. Helen Stockbridge"
As Robert folded the paper and put |
it carfully away in the breast pocket !
Of his coat he murmured: 'It is strange |