The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1893-12-21
CT asst will md testament Of .JOShua |

"Last will and testament of Joshua
Belchcrs, Esquire" he read aloud.
''Hum, we'll 1 hardly know what to
do about this"
1t occurred to Uncle Sol that an
honest man would know without
studying such a question for a mo-
mint.
"Burn it of COURSE" tersely re-
sponded Brad.
"If l do it will only be to save you
from the consequences of what you
have done" said his father, sOlemnly.
'Gammon." sneered Brad. You
know you are as anxious to hold on
to the property as l am. Burn it, l
say"
Mr., Belchers pretended to hesitate.
Then. drawing another match from
his pocket, he struck it on a rock, as
the two stood close together. Uncle
Sol opened his mouth to yell, when
suddenly he overbalanced himself,
and down he went, the yell escaping
as he pitched forward. Rolling down
the steep and slippery ledge. he
struck heavily on Mr.. Belchers' head
and Brad's shoulders. throwing them
both to the sands. Neither of them
stopped there. Two more frightened
individuals never scrambled from a
recumbent position and took to their
heels without so much as a glance be-
hind.
"Ye couldn't see 'em for the sand
they kicked up behind 'em. ~"chuckled
Uncle Sol, as ten minutes later he
displayed to Jacks astoDished eyes
the tin trunk containing the missing
will and told his story with great
guStO.
1t is almost needless to say that
the recovered will was entirely in
Jacks favor. Everything was left to
him without reservation. Lawyer
Titcomb being appointed a trustee to
hold the property till Jack came of
age.
II knew I'd get even with them
two critters, only l didn't think it
would be so soon," said old Uncle
Sol; land now, Jack, don't lose a
minute, but hurry up to Lawyer Tit
combs and enter a complaint against
them for lacenizing a mans will with
intent to defraud, or whatever you
call it,"
what for?:" asked Jack.
$50 as to have them both but in
State prison, of course" returned
Uncle Sol, with a bewildered stare.
"Ill think about it, Uncle SOL"
replied Jack, quietly.
Taking with him the tin trunk, he
made h S way up to town. But in
stead Of stopping at Lawyer Tit
combs he kept on until he reached
the old homestead. where MIR. Belch-
ers and Brad had taken up their
abode.
The lawyer and his son, having re-
covered from their fright, were about
to return to the shore, when Jack
appeared. At the sight of the trunk
the two turned pale as ashes.
"Ill trouble you both to leave'my
premises, coolly observed Jack. 81
happen to have here the will which
you, Brad, stole and hid away, and
you, Mr.. Belchers, intended to burn"
turning to the lawyer.
What could be said to such an &C
cusation? MI. Belchers stammered
something about a mistake, and hur-
riedly departed.
81 suppose now you've got the
whip hand you will pay US off in-in
our own coin" doggedly remarked
Bradford, who had fingered behind
his father.
What do you mean?" asked Jack.
"Why-shove us into States
prison."
IL shall do nothing Of the kind"
firmly returned Jack, Though you
both richly deserve it. No one but
Uncle Sol Maxwell and l know what
you have done, and l don't intend
any one shall"
You ought to have your revenge
on them, Jack grumbled Uncle Sol,
who no longer goes fishing for a liv-
ing. "You ought to for a fact-it's
a poor rule that won't work both
ways"
Il know one that DON'T" answered
Jack.
What one is that?"
''The golden rule, said Jack
quietly, whatsoever We would
that men should do to you, do We
even so to them Maya
zine.
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