Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1900-10-26
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER Ill.
Philip Vanderdccken, strong as he was
In mental courage, was almost paralyzed
by the shock when he discovered that his
mothers spirit had fled; and for some
time he remained by the side of the bed,
with his eyes fixed upon the corpse, and
his mind In state of yacuity. Gradually
he recovered himself; he rose smoothed
down the pillow, closed her eyelids, and
then clasping his hands, the tears trickled
down his manly checks. He impressed a
! solemn kiss upon the pale white forehead
of the departed, and drew the curtains
round the bed.
"Poor mother!" said he, sorrowfully, as
he completed his task, lat length thou
hast found rest-but thou hast left thy
son q bitter legacy"
And as Philips thoughts reverted to
what had passed, the dreadful narrative
whirled in his imagination and soathed
his brain. He raised his hands to his
temples, compressed them with force, and
tried to collect his thoughts, that he might
decide upon what measures he should take.
he felt that he had no time to indulge his
grief. His mother was in peace; but his
father-where was her
he recalled his mothers words-"One
hope alone renamed Then there was
hope. His father had laid paper on the
table-could it be there nows Yes, it
must bel his mother had not had the
courage to take 1t up. There was hope in
that paper, and it had laid unopened for
more than II years.
Philip Vanderdecken resolved that he
would examine the fatal chamber-at once
he would know the worst. Should he do
1t now, or wait till daylight9-but the
key, where was its His eyes rested upon
an old japanned cabinet in the room; he
had never seen his mother open it in his
presence: it was the only likely place of
concealment that he was aware of. Prompt
in all his decisions, he took up the candle
and proceeded to examine it. 1t was not
locked: the door swung open, and drawer
after drawer was examined, but Philip
discovered not the object of his search
again and again did he open the drawers,
but they were all empty. 1t occurred to
Philip that there might be secret drawers,
and he examined for some time in vain.
At last he took out all the drawers, and
laid them on the floor, and lifting the
cabinet of its stand he shook it. A rat
ting sound III one corner told him that in
81 probability the key was there concealed.
He renewed his attempts to discover how
TO. gain 1t, but in vain Daylight now
ttreamed through the easements, and
Philip had hot dssisted from his attempts;
Of last, weariod out he resolved to force
the back panel Of the cabinet; he descend.
ID 70 the kitchen, and returned with
small chopping knife and hammer, and
was on his knees busily employed forcing
out the panel, when q hand was placed
upon his shoulder.
Philip started: he bad been so occupied
With his search and his wild chasing
thoughts, that he had not heard the sound
Of an approaching footstep. Helooked up
and beheld Father Seysen, the priest Of the
little parish, with his eyes sternly fixed
upon him. The good man had been in.
formed Of the dangerous state of the Widow
vanderdecken, and had risen at daylight
70 visit and afford her spiritual comfort.
"How now, my son, said the priest;
"fearest thou not to disturb thy mothers
testi and wouldst thou pilfer and purloin
sven before she Is in her grave2'
II fear not to disturb my mothers rest,
good father" replied Philip, rising on his
feet, "for she now rests with the blessed.
Neither DO pilfer or purloin. 1t is not
gold, seek, although If gold there were,
that gold would now be mine. seek but
key, long hidden, believe, within this
secret drawer, the opening Of which Is
mystery beyond my art"
Thy mother is no more, sayest thou,
my sonf and dead without receiving the
rights Of our mosu holy ohurchl Why
didst thou not send for me?"
"She died, good father, suddenly, most
suddenly, in these arms. about two hours
ago. fear not for her soul, although
oan but grieye you were not at her side. !"
The priest gently opened the curtains,
and looked upon the corpse. He sprinkled
holy water on the bed, and for short
time his lips were seen to move in silent
prayer. He then turned round to Philip.
why do see thee thus employedp and
why so anxious to obtain that key? A
mothers death should call forth fllial tears
and prayers for her repose. Yet are thine
eyes dry and thou art employed upon an
indifferent search while yet the tenement
y warm which but now held her spirit.
This Is not seemly, Philip. What is the
key thou seekest2"
Father, L have no time for tears-no
time to spare for grief or lamentatlon.
have much to do, and more to think Of
than thought can well embrace. That I
loved my mother, you know well.'
But the key thou seekest, Philip"
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