Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-16

Dr. Nandelldr rapidly removed his
apparatus to the surgery; and then
having returned to Sir Michael's ROOM
he again summoned Mallinger and in
formed her that the poor old gentle
man had suddenly passed away.
At this juncture, and before Van
dellar had an opportunity of opening
the box and glcating over its contents,
/ two unexpected visitors were stimuli
taneously announced. One was Har-
old Trefusis; the other was Moses
Marx. Vandellar decided to be at
home to both, but he saw Marx first.
Well" he inquired impatiently,
what brought you back SO soon?"
Il just called to see if you were
keeping cool, doctor-I mean, l hope
you amt going TO do anything so
wicked as to commit suicide. Think
what a dreadful thing it is and re-
member that suicide invalidates your
life insurance, my friend!''
Vandellar laughed. Then he hast
lily explained the circumstances,
though Let the modus operandi of the
gift of the box.
Now" he said, las the bonds and
jewelry will be deposited at my bank
as soon as the doors open in the morn,
ing, l suppose you will take my check
in exchange for the bill?"
Marx was anxious to get rid of the
bill, and he knew that the doctors
check, though it might not be met,
would be a safer thing to sue upon
than bill he admitted he knew to be
forged when he cashed it, so he made
but little demur, merely asking, as a
matter of bithness,' if the bonds were
really in the box.
Il saw them there yesterday" said
Vandellar, truthfully. rs that good
enough for your"
Marx though it was, and handed the
forged bill to Vandellar in exchange
then tore the discriminating paper into
/ fragments, which he threw into the
fire.
Now. come along, Marx" he said,
land support me in my interview with
the despoiled herr
The pair proceeded to the library,
where they found Harold Trefusis i'm
patiently waiting.
Il am told that my Uncle Michael is
dead" said Harold. It's a surprise to
me, as he seemed rather better this
afternoon. But, as his only surviving
relative, [ should like to see the poor
old gentleman, and to take formal pos
session of his effects
Il shall be very glad if you will do
so" said Vandellar, smiling blandIy
though [ must make an exception of
the iron box in which, as you know,
your lamented uncle kept all his bonds
payable to bearer and his Indian
jewels That box and it's contents,
Sir Michael gave to me, in the pres
ence of witnesses, about an hour be-
fore his DEATH
What exclaimed the young man
MY uncle give you that box and it's
contents?' Why"
Pray be calm," interrupted Van
dellar. Of course, if your uncle left no
will you, as heir-at-law, inherit all
his property, and the loss of the bonds
and jewels is naturally irritating
Still"
STILL" echoed Harold, 81 can't I'M
derstand my uncle giving you the box.
Are you sure he was in his right mind
when he did so?"
Your uncle, sir, was as sane as you
or t. said Vandellar, with admirably
assumed dignity, las the witnesses in
whose presence the gift was made will
readily testify"
"Then,' said Harold, decisively, IF
Uncle Michael was sane l am mad, for
this afternoon he handed me the
whole of the contents of the box, or
dering me to deposit them at his
bankers. He nearly left it too late, for
though [ dashed out of this house and
hurried to the bank I only reached it
as the doors were about to be closed"
/ Vandellar and Marx stared blankly
at each other. The doctor sent for the
box. 1t was opened and it's total
emptiness proved beyond a doubt that
Harold Trefusis was perfectly sane.
=
| Mr.. Marx, despite the plea Of pow
erty, has still money to lend on fay
orable terms,'' but DR.. Vandellar's con-
dition proves that the wicked do not
always flourish like a green bay tree.
-Tit-Bits