The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1896-01-11

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will, the provisions of which strongly evi-
denced the prevailing nay, the over
powering emotions Of her heart and mind
1t is strangely conceived paper, but SO deft-
ly drawn and so hedged about with qualify
ing phrase, as to have successfully evaded
every device which legal acumen, or trickery
strategem has been able to hurl against it.
1t turn, every generation since the death of
thetestatrix have sought to break through
its provisions, in the hope of obtaining the
enormous sum contained within its iron
bound grasp. But still unmoved by every
assault made upon it, there yet remains in
England s chancery court, filed in musty
parchment in the usual way, the enduring
evidence that what has grown to be about
e2OO, 900 is safely hid away in the Bank
of England vaults, and that it is at any
time accessible to the heirs who can pro-
duee the evidence required.
sit must have been that Madaline
Adar had an inward conviction that Ar
thur would some day come to light, and be
in position to claim what of right was
his, for the point that proves incontestible
is the clause which reads, s'This testatrix
wills that no disposition whatever shall be
made of her estate unless the claimants
shall produce conclusive evidence Of my
sons decease, and no evidence shall be
deemed conclusive unless there be pro-
duced in court linken shaped mosaic,
which he was known to have always on
his person. Upon the one side of the said
mosaic, wrought in varied shades of stone,
is the Madonna face, whilst on the re-
verse side appears the miniature of my
deeply lamented husband, whom soon I
hope to meet. There is upon the mosaic
thus described but single word baptism,
which is wrought in old English text.
The death of Arthur Adair being proven
upon these lines, the whole estate is duly
disposed of to relations in away clearly
indicated.
''I am now the only living heir to that
vast estate, and like my predecessors have
taken turn in chancery proceedings
only to find, like them, my best efforts
thwarted, because of failure to produce
that Missing Link Only few words
more, kind madam continued Stacey,
raising his voice somewhat and becoming a
little nervous at the conclusion of his part,
'fand my portion of the recital is over :"
every well, replied the madam, ''let us
hear it through. l find it quite interest
ing"
Son that memorable May afternoon, "
Stacey continued, ''when you were stand
ing before me, and engaged in kicking
away the frebrands, which my men had
placed beneath your house, about your
neck and lit up by the suns bright rays,
I plainly saw the word 'Baptisma.
knew l gazed upon the lost mosaic. |
realized the Missing Link was found |
know full well l must have acted like a
truant child, for my nerves were all un-
strung, and scarce could realize what
providence had thrown across my way.
This, then about concludes my side of the
strange affair, and yet the mystery is only
stated, not explained. Upon you, the
fortunate possessor of that small but price
less gem, which has the power to nullify
all previous decisions of the English court
of claims, and hand the great estate ovel
to its rightful owner, must devolve the
weightier task of clearing up the hidden
source from whence that locket came. -
"Well really, admiral, spoke Madam
Sunstrum, who appeared little dazed at
the singular and somewhat lengthy story
to which she had been most attentive
listener, ''I think l can already see the
affinity existing between your English
edition and my american production,
aforesaid, and whilst | fear that somC
points may prove trife involved, viii
proceed at once, and allow you to be the
judge.
''About four miles down from here, in
the direction from whence you come, is a
most charmingly picturesque little island,
which today is occupied only by single
soul, recluse, who there has habitation
in cave, excayated in the rivers bank,
but once that island was the Indian village
of the mighty Toewogh tribe. The great
Wicomico was the chief, his daughter, the
fair Pomona, who was princess of that
island, and the idol of all the neighborins
tribes She was winsome maiden, anG
by her comeliness of feature, her graceful
ness of form, and above all, her mild and
kindly disposition, had she come to be the
one adored by all the friendly tribes, whose
rude villages dotted the winding shores and
the wooded banks of this favorite Indian
stream. Many brave and youthful war
rior had cast admiring glances upon the
laughing eyed Pomonas charms. Some
had even made so bold as to seek her heart
to win; and yet her hand was free. Free
to engage in kindly acts for all. Free to
give, as yet to whomso' er she pleased.
s'It was in the Springs first moon,
and to celebrate the growing time S re-
turn, Wicomico had made mighty feast,
and in Pomona s name he babe all friendly
tribes to come and enjoy his bounteous
meal and try their skill at divers indian
sports. and whosoe er should best excel at
archery, the gracious privilege should enjoy
of placing wreath of bay-leaf, rush and
ferns upon the beautiful Pomona S brow,
and should thus become her best friend for
the next II months to come 1t was a
glorious April afternoon and the little isle
was bathed in vernal sheen. So unob-
structed was the suns bright rays, that
ne er cloud had crossed the sky that day,
and all was decked in holiday attire.
Small craft, innumerable, with splashing
oars, and hailing from everywhere, were
heading for the beach, for it wasa mighty
feast and none must do Wicomieo the III to
stay away.
ssSoon all were landed save birch canoe
more trim than all the rest, and bearing
only one lone occupant. It was a pale
face, stranger to them all, and one on
whom all eyes in wrath were turned.
Just as he set his foot upon the beach and
sought to pull his laden boat up, an
hundred arrows from an hundred practiced
bows were set in deadly aim upon the rash
intruder. Suddenly cry was heard 1t
was the fair Pomona voice, and instantly