Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1900-07-26


him disinterestedly.
Eyes, Amzie, I have received
warning of the approaching change.
l suppose ought to be thankful that
the time draws near, but it is uncer-
tain, after all. You must be provided
for, and you shall be! The rascally
relatives who anxiously await my
final leave-taking cannot cheat you
out of your inheritance! You are my
best friend! Do you understand me?
My best friendr'
The mastiff raised one huge paw and
placed it across his masters knee as
he tried to lick the hand that caressed
him. Philemon gently stroked it and
continued: 81 have been told that
there are animals on the next plane,
Amzie; / cannot say whether it be
true, but you can come to me If they
misuse you. They dare not, sir! They
dare not'' he shouted, excitedly.
He pulled the chair toward rather
antiquated desk, and wrote several
words on a slip of paper.
''Take this to Richard, my boy. If
my heart is weak l must save steps;I
have heard that walking is injurious
if one suffers with heart disease
The dog took the note in his IL outh,
and as Philemon opened the door
bounded outward A few moments
later he returned, with the gardener
closely following
"You sent for me? Amzie brought
the note"
"Yes, Richard; want you to bring
a lawyer here at once. He must be
the first one you can find. I am in
great hurryH' Aud the man hurried
away.
When the lawyer arrived he found
Philemon seated before the desk, busi-
ly engaged in arranging his business
papers. One drawer after another had
been emptied, and the contents heaped
in considerable confusion before him.
He welcomed the lawyer, and pro-
ceeded to explain why he had called
him.
II have concluded, sir, that man
who has lived as long in this world as
I have ought to properly arrange
matters before leaving for the next;
therefore, have sent for you to do
the work for me-"
The lawyer &C iuiesced, politely re-
marking that he hoped it might be
many years first and Philemon con-
tinued, II have large estate to dis
pose OF. l also have few distant rela-
tives; not one among them would, from
genuine sorrow, shed tear at my
grave; but this faithful fellow will
mourn" Here he once mora caressed
the dog. IL want him properly cared
for during his life, if he survive me-
and have good reason to believe that
he will; and as either one of the ras-
cally set who claim relationship to me
would, in all probably, assist him in
reaching dog heaven ahead of time, l
wish to leave him iu the care of my
gardener, Richard Jenkins. He is
faithful, and Amzie is fond of him. I
wish him to understand that this
room, with all it contains, is to be re-.
served for the use of the dog. The
remaining portion of the house is to
be used by his own family, and Amzie
is to be we'll cared for. In compensa-
ton for these services I will place at
his disposal $1,000 the first year, and
it shall be increased 5000 each year
that my Pet shall live. A sure incen-
tive for Richard to see that he has
good care" he remarked, with a grin
OF satisfaction, as the lawyer. rapidly
transferred the old mans wishes to
paper.
He then explained minutely how
and what the dog was to be fed, and he
wished Richard to understand that
though be often stretched himself be-
fore the fire, at times he enjoyed lying
on the broad sofa, which must be left
for his use alone.
The lawyer smiled indulgently, and
continued to write until the rather
peculiar document was finished.
Soon afterward the will was proper
ly signed and witnessed, the lawyer
had gone, and Philemon was oace
more seated before the fire.
The evening shadows were length.
ening. Philemon seemed to have for.
gotten that he usually ate hearty
meal at this hour. Amzie, as usual,
lay at his. masters feet, occasionally
looking upward and emphasizing the
fact of his presence by the same loud
rap of his tail.
The old man remained in this posi-
tion for some time. He was think ine
of the years that had passed since hi
wife had been taken from him, ant
J now he believed the time short unit
he should meet her. Save for those
, who ministered to his comfort, ant
were paid for their services, he hat
lived alone, with only the companion
ship of dog. Amzie was the thirt
mastiff that had enjoyed the privileg,
of lying at his feet
''The time is short" he though
aloud, and Amzie Immediately bounded
to his side.
'You are in the habit of going witt
! me for walk at this hour, sir. Com
! along. I have strange errand to d.
: tonight"
Without further conversation wit
4 his dumb companion Philemon walke