The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-02-09


This document must, of course, be kept
absolutely secret until am dead
therefore, in conveying it to Mr..
Brunson, you will, of course, use every
precaution not to lose it. 1t is ncccs.
sary that he should have it to-day. If
he is out, give it to Mr.. Rollins, his
clerk, with instructions to have it de-
hvcred to him as soon as possible"
lie handed Inc tho document, which
ut once put among the other impor-
tant papers, i'll the pocket of my street
coat, hanging in the closet. l went
back to my desk to finish the mornings
business, intending to deliver the will
on my way up town, that afternoon.
had hardly resumed my work when
Mr. Vantwillcr requested me to 20 on
some GRAND for him. The nature OF
1T is immaterial. 1t was only down
stairs, but was gone about half an
hour.
AS returned, l heard laughter in
the office. Upon entering l noticed
that the banker was entertaining
some friends. Two gentlemen were
there with him, and all were laugh
ing heartily. The old gentleman APP
peared very jolly. His mind was cv-
identity undergoing one of those nu-
merous relaXations SO frequent in him
Ihey were just preparing to leave for
luncheon; and while they were talking
and laughing went over to the closet
TO change my buster for my sack coat
AS did so felt for tho papers in nv
pocket They were there all right.
Before leaving turned at the door
to bid the banker good day; but he was
SO engrosscd in his attention to his
friends that did not feel it my place
TO interrupt him. So l closed the door
alter me and descended into the street
stopped ut restaurant to get n
luncheon, and then started for Mas
sau street where Mr.. Brunson's of
nee was. was in no particular hurry,
having the entire afternoon in which to
deliver the important document, and so
sauntercd along slowly, making plans
Tor the rest of the day, and thinking
over the conversation 1 had had that
morning with Mr.. Nantwillcr. | had
not far to go, however, and soon ar
rived at the lawyers Office. I sent up
my card and awaited Il reply. 1t came,
saying that Mr.. Brunson was not in,
but that the clerk would attend to
everything The clerk happened to be
my particular friend, Ned Rollins.
GLOW dye do, Thurs" lie exclaimed
rs entered. $50 the old man has
made his will! Mr. Brunson told me
about it this morning. OH Yes.
That's all right! I'll attend to every
thing. just hand it over to me.
Brunson won't be back until to-mor-
row morning. Unexpected business,
you know Hows your sister? Heard
from her latcly?"
While he was saying this, had taken
the bundle of papers out of my pocket.
l stood with them in my hand waiting
for him to finish.
Yes, Vantwillcr has made his will"
replied 1, ignoring his last question.
Twill you please give this document
to Mr.. Brunson in the-cr-that is,
when I find it. Why! surely put it
in with these papers. Where in the
deuce can it be? Let me see, now. I'll
go sover the package again. No! NV
heavens, man, the will is not thcre!"
1t was even SO. Twice went over
that packet of documents, and twice |
failed to find the object of nv search.
My heart seemed to give a great drop.
and a violent throbbing began in my
throat. l know l must have turned
claimed:
"Why, Thurs! What's the trouble?
You are as white as ghost. Haven't
you got the will?"
For Heavens sake. don't talk so
lopd!' l hoarsely whispered to him.
Got it?-No! But 1 had it when l left
the office-at least these papers were
in my pocket, and the will with them,
for put it there not half an hour be-
fore 1 came here"
crossed over the room and leaned
against the window casing. Moment
by moment the realization Of what had
happened became more vivid.
"Whnt are you going to do about it?"
asked Rollins, in very cold, business
like tone which went straight through
me.
"Do-Do! Il don't-know. WHY.
man, do you realize what has happened
TO me?"
II think do, Thurston," this with n
sicllly smile. You have lost one of
Vantwiller's important documents;
probably his one most sou He hest
tated moment, looking steadily at his
finger nails. "Of course he will have
to be notified of this, Thurston-at
once. must send message to him."
mo, DON'T Not yeti" interrupted
speaking quickly and excitedly. Give
me one chance at least. Brunson will
be away until morning, and Vartwiller
is out of town. Give me this afternoon
and evening to hunt it up. Perhaps
after all didn't put it in my pocket,
but left it on the desk. If don't find
it--why then-well-I suppose must
take the consequences. Say! old man,
You'll grant me this WON'T rnno Il