The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1899-11-09
The Last Will Of
Abel Mitchell.
He Changed His Mind as to the
Disposition Of His Property.
BY w. r. ROSE.

3owo*o*oxo*o*o
Abel Mitchell called to his type
writer.
"You may go, Miss Norris" he said
He did not look up from the papers be
fore him.
The young woman turned to the
clock with little start of surprise
It was only 4;3O. But she quietly put
on her hat and with a murmured good
night left the room.
Abel listened to the departing rustic
Of her skirts with a thoughtful expires
sion. There was sensible girl, girl
who never grated on his feelings, a
girl who asked no useless questions
She had reached an age Of discretion
If Jim was determined to marry a
poor girl, why couldn't he have taken
one like Emma Morris?
Abel opened a heavy envelope and
drew forth folded paper.
slim never was confidential with
me-" he grumbled. perhaps I didn't
invite his confidence. I don't know.
Now he has disobeyed my direct COM
mand. That can't be overlooked.
When he told me about this girl,
said wait. How long" he asked. I'm
til you reach years Of discretion I
cried and turned away. Jim is "a.
Twenty-four. And I married at p.
Yes, and ran away too. But it was
different with me. My father had
nothing to give me. 1 was quite indie.
pendent He was glad to have me
Shift for myself. Jim's father is a
rich man. Jim's father has given him
dollars where my father begrudged
me pennies. Jim owes me filial obedi-
ence. He has disobeyed me to his bit
ter cost"
He unfolded the paper that he had
taken from the envelope and ran his
Keen gray eye down the closely written
lines.
He has given up his father FOR q
pretty face" he murmured. "Let him
stand by the consequence. Who 10
she? What is she? 1t matters not No
doubt they trapped him into this mar
riage. "A rich mars son. they chuc-
kled. But they'll find they're fooled.
rather he said, I am to be married
tomorrow night Will you come with
me TO the weddingY I turned on my
heel. Then looked back. You know
sne price you may pay? cried. yes,
iatner,' he said, with his head high up.
! know. Goodby, and God bless you.'
ne asked a blessing, on me! Ha, ha,
IA; that's too richT But he'll get evil
good this time I'll cut him off
in. dollar. Let Him sup on herbs
,r a., lille. That'n take the veneer
,om Low, rs young dream. I'll draw up
new will at home tonight and have it
before 1 Sleep! And to let
i'm know what Iris foolish fancy has
ost him I'll write.him. as3etter-a letter
le can show to his new relatives
that's the thing-the Ietter"
He bent down with his head upon
lis hand and his eyes upon-the paper
4 rustic of skirts in the doorway drew
his attention. He did notslooksup. It
was way he had.
"Ah. Miss Norris" he said, back
again?" He had quite forgotten that
be had sent her home.
The young girl in the doorway did
not answer. Her bright eyes were fix
ed upon the old man. She expected him
to look up. If he had done so. he would
have seen a charming vision. Sheiwas
a very pretty girl-dainty and neat
from the tip Of her new hat to the tips
of her new shoes. But he did not look
up.
"Just in time" he added. 81 want
to dictate a letter before you go"
He paused, and the young girl, as'if
seized with sudden fancy, quietly
stepped into the room and5seated her
self at the typewriter.
"You have been with us so long, Miss
Morris" the old man continued, that
we view you as confidential agent.
Besides, this will be public property
very soon. am going to write to my
son. Last night he married an I'M
known girl against my wishes. I am
going to tell him that I wash my
hands of him and his; that tonight /
change my will, cutting him off with
a solitary dollar. Are you ready"
The girl at the typewriter gave the
instrument a preliminary click or two.
0James Mitchell" began the old
man, "as you have seen fit to disobey
me. to cast my fatherly wishes in my
teeth, desire you to know that l have
no wish to hold further communication
with you. While I cherish the I'm
preston that you were lured into thi
unhappy marriage
The typewriter stopped.
unhappy marriage" the old man re
heated, and the clicking recommencet
"yet cannot accept this as any excus
for your undutiful conduct. Tonigf
/ change my will, and you may res
assured that your name will be passe
over with the smallest possible maj
cial consideration. prefer to NAY
YOU understand this here and now.
will prevent you and your new frient
from cherishing any false hopes. In