The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1893-05-31
CHAPTER v.-CoNrrNUEp.

CHAPTEh N'-CONTlNubD.
This resolution probably was not
taken on the loftiest of moral grounds;
. but Allan North was not in position
lust then to view the case from any
elevated moral or ethical standpoint.
II he had blamed his brother more
severely he might possibly have been
less inclined to shield him; but for
some reason he had distinct feeling
that Ollin was more to be pitied than
blamed. All his righteous Indignation
was visited upon the beautiful woman
whom he believed to have been the
cause of his brothers temptation and
stumbling.
"And now" he reflected, having
definitely determined upon his course,
'can SO perfectly assume the charac-
ter OF my brother that not even his in
innate friends and daily associates shall
suspect the deception? My success thus
far has been very encouraging; the
only thing that staggers me is my
utter ignorance Of his private affairs
here in X, his social, political and
professional connections Then there
is the uncertainty about how long NollI
will remain away. If he should return
before have succeeded in gaining any
evidence from Mrs. Maynard, my labor
will be wasted. But, by Jove!-No, no,
that is a wild suppositionl Noll would
never do anything so cowardly as to
GUN away when he discovered that he
vas suspected. Andyet, his leaving so
slddenly as he did after receiving that
message from Hopkins and Shepherd
has a rather significant look. must
bear that in mind. Well, shall have to
trust largely to fortune, and make the
most of the time that have for devel-
oping and accomplishing my purpose.
in the meantime, of course, must not
forget my mission for Hunter and
Ketchum. will write them line
now to report progress--or lack of IT.
and then give myself up to careful
= consideration Of this other, still more
Important matter"
The letter to Hunter and Ketchum
was hastily written and sealed; then,
as he laid his pen aside, North's eye
fell upon the envelope that Mrs. May
nard had given him.
"Ah," he thought, taking 1t in his
hand. this is the letter that Noll had
urged her TO find, as he fancied that 1t
might be Of value as evidence. It must
have some more or less direct bearing,
then. upon this will case. ! think l can
soon Judge of It's value"
He drew from the envelope sheet OF
thin blue paper. When he had unfold
ed It, the old-fashioned chirography OF
Mrs. Dunldrk met his eye.
The ink was pale, and the writing
tremulous and illegible. North was
obliged to brighten the gas and study
the document carefully before he sue
ceeded in deciphering 1t as follows:
NEW YORK, May q, 1s-.
''DEAR NINA. Yours OF tho 18th Is OF hand
am sorry to hear Of your diffculties, but am In
no position TO advise you. Mr.. Maynard used
his own discretion in tho matter, and his right
To do SO no one can dispute. That you aro dis
appointed Is OF course natural but why you
should feel 30 despondent In regard 10 your
future cannot understand You were always
oyorfond Of money. have learned from my
own experience that II brings 10 Its possessoI
great responsibilities, as we'll as weariness and
yoxntion Of spirit and It is q fruitful source oi
/. enyying and strife. Beyond modest com
petence, such as you will possess, II is not dc
sirablc, especially for woman who has only
mercenary lawyers 70 look out for her interests
Nevertheless, II wealth would bestow upon you
any happiness, should like TO crafty you In
that respect While live must retain the
control OF my fortune. After ON gone, whai
matter TO me who has itt am anxious only Y
wrong no one in what do. few years ago
believed thLt had niece living-my only sur
yiying relative, Hamilton's daughter-whc
ought 10 DO my heir. Tho most diligent soarof
has failed, however, 10 discover her, and have
ct last most reluctantly given up this belief
There Is no ono who has greater claim upor
me than yourself This claim feel inclined o.
present 10 recognize. Charitable boQucsts az
not favor. Ihave given freely 70 public and
private charities during my lifotime, and have
received but meager thanks During the i've
years that you were with mo before youi
marriage, you were like q daughter 70 mo
This have always remembered kindly
'My health Is slowly improving with tho 70
turn Of warmer weather Tho bleak spring
time Is On enemy 70 my constitution. hnt
Jenner faithful attendant in my declining
years Ny regards 70 Mr. Maynard and family
"YourB ancctionately,
Va.r9