Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1893-04-02

1t was one evening about three
months later that Peter sat alone
within the Office, not working, but
outstretched in Uncle Vans great
armchair. The light was dim, OF course,
for the Schenk boys were directors OF
the local gas company, but not so dim
as not to reveal a surprising chahge
in the lawyers personal appearance
He was arrayed in broadcloth and nne
linen. Jewels sparkled on his SHIRT
front and danced on his fingers. A
giittering watch chain formed mas
sive arc across his meagre anatomy.
His boots shone, and so did his hair.
II he was conscious Of his splendor, ne
was also proud OF it, for while there
was uneasinesss in his bearing, there
was triumph in his smile. -,
II like it," Peter reelected. 81 like
it all. Why didn't do so before? I'm
sure I've made az impression, and why
shouldn't /? 1t isn't every girl that can
have a gallant young fellow like me at
her beck and call. just wait a bit, my
bow, and matters will be reversed as
they should be. Tue little mink! Inc
widow certainly approves, I've been SO
gentle and considerate. Yes, I'll risk IL
tomorrow. There can be no chance,
and then. Poor Egbert! What has
struck the man? A great burly fellow,
to waste and wither so. There's no con-
SUMPTION in our family; but he's called
for. l guess. Just as well, perhaps; for
il he isn't I'll have to do something Tor
him. He put me on TO this. The 1901!
Did he think that any girl would look al
him when 1 came around? Well, ne can
have the business; I'm sick OF IL and
want to see the world. As for the old
lady, Egbert said the interest should run
until doomsday; so let her stay In the
house; she won't last long"
Peter laughed low and rubbed MS
lanky fingers together. In the MIDST
of his amusement there was dragging
step and Egbert entered. Little won
der that even Peter had said Poor
Egbert!" for in the shadowy light he
seemed the ghost OF his former sell,
with deep, yearning eyes, sunken'
wrinkled cheeks, and shriveled hanas
picking at clothing that hung in folds.
He took up a letter which lay on the
centre desk. whats this?" he asked.
81 don't know, nor care, yawned
Peter. "Some nonsense from Douglas
1 haven't opened it"
EQbert tossed it aside and advanced
until he stood over his brother.
Peter" be began, 81 wanted an e1-
PLANTATION from you"
"Of what?"
"Why do you go so much to the Ray
mouds?"
"Why did you?"
owe will discuss that later. 1 insist
on an answer"
"Oh, you reserve and you insist, do
YOU? Well, then I go because please. "
"You must stop doing so at once"
II guess not. Why, the old lady
would be lost without me. She depends
on nv advice as if l were her son. l
warn her against unworthy people, for
instance"
"You sneak! That accounts for their
GOODNESS toward me. But why? What
interest have you"
"Look here, Egbert," said Peter cool
ly rising from the chair and tapping his
brother lightly on the chest as he spoke.
Pm no fool. Give me the milestone
and I'll see through it every time. Had
you been open with your partner, he
would have been fair toward you, as he
ALWAYS was. But no; l could stick TO
my corner while you took walk. NOW
YOU can stick while ] will walk. There's
property there and I'm going to have 1t.
Yes, all, every bit. And since the paw
ky-faced girl is an incumbrance, I'll
take her to-"
You're mad. There is no property"
"No property. Then why did you"
81! l love Ada Raymond"
"You! Huh! To tell me that after
all these years. Egbert Schenk in love
with anything except money! Why,
even these law books laugh! On, no,
Eggy. Too thin, my boy, too thin"
Take your hand off me-"
ooh, no; I won't mind being married.
Soft arms and kisses and"
Course you! Get away! Take that"
There was a blow, struggle, heavy
fall. The old building shook. The
bulging wall trembled. Down fell the
cobwebby cornice. Over crashed the
massive wardrobe. Under the ruins
lay Peter crushed and dead. Above
them leaned Egbert with outstretched
arms.
"'m glad Of it," he soliloquized
after the first bewilderment. He's ont
of the way, and no one need ever know
that was present. The hound"
Egbert turned to leave the Office. In
passing, his hand touched the letter
from Douglas on the desk. And, as in
time of crisis one is apt 10 instinctlvely
delay over trIfles, he opened it and
read it. 1t was but single line: aida
Raymond and were married this
morning" But in it Egbert Schenk
read the curse Of God.
He stood for a moment rubbing his
hand over his head as in confusion.
Then, with one regretful glance toward
the wreckage in the corner, he fastened
away. Out into the night rushed Egbers
Schenk-the chill, dreary, starless night
which had long since sent strollers for
pleasure to their homes. He turned
down the narrow street, and the dark
ness deepeued as he strobe through the
ominous shadow of the old mansion. As
he reached the lamp at the crossing he
shivered as II he had shaken away some
awesome substance yet continued TO feel
its clinging. Onward he sped until the
brink OF the river was reached. There
for an instant he paused, and In the
sullen mutter Of the waters seemed to
hear a consolation for his anguish.
-G-
CorractipC HIstorv.