Willmar tribune., 1900-04-25

"A serious expression rested on the
usually happy countenance of their
patient as he prepared to depart. He
arose, pulled his hat over his eyes and
walked out as feebly as though he had
grown ten years older. Both physi-
clans were as puzzled over the appar-
ent effect of their communication as
they were as to the origin of the sweet
strains. Philemon walked down the
village stret like a man in a dream.
A neighbor spoke sociably as he passed,
but the old man did not hear. He en-
tered his house, mechanically drew a
chair before the open fire, seated him
self and rested his head in his hands.
His dog stretched himself at his feet,
occasionally opening one eye to look
up at his master, who had failed to
speak a word of welcome, and the omis-
sion had not passed unnoticed by the
faithful brute.
A'half hour passed. Philemon moved
uneasily. and the mastiff's tail
thumped against the floor reassuringly.
"Amzie!'
The dog bounded to his feet with a
whine OF pleasure.
''Amzie, my boy, I have much to at
tend to; very much, for have this day
received warning"
He placed his hand on the animals
head, and in sorrowful and affec-
tionate manner caressed the only cre;,-
ture left to him whom he believed loved
him disinterestedly.
"Yes, Amzie, I have received warn
ing of the approaching change. sup
pose I ought to be thankful that the
time draws near, but it is uncertain,
after all. You must be provided for,
and you shall be! The rascally rela-
tives who anxiously await my final
leave-taking cannot cheat you out of
your inheritance! You are my best
friend, Amzie! Do you understand me?
My best friend!"
The mastiff raised one huge paw anil
placed it across his masters knee as
he tried to lick the hand that caressed
him. Philemon gently stroked it, and
continued: II have been told that
there are animals on the next plane,
Amzie; l 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
Anticipated desk and wrote several
words on slip of paper.
''Talze this to Richard, my boy. IT
my heart is weak 1 must save steps; /
have heard that walking is injurious
if one suffers with heart disease"
The dog took the note in his mouth
and, as Philemon opened the door.
bounded outward. A few moments
later he returned, with the gardener
closely following.
''You sent for me, sir? Amzie
brought the note.'
eyes, Richard; I want you to bring
lawyer here at once. He must be the
first one you can find. l am in great
hurry!" And the man hurried away.
When the lawyer arrived he found
Philemon seated before the desk, busily
engaged in arranging his business pa
pers. One drawer after another had
been emptied and the contents heaped
in considerable confusion before him.
He welcomed the lawyer and proceeded
to explain why he had called him.
Il have concluded, sir, that man
who has lived as long in this world
as [ have ought to properly arrang:,
matters before leaving for the next:
therefore, have sent for you to do
the work for me-"
The lawyer acquiesced, politely re-
marking that he hoped it might be
many years first, and Philemon con-
tfnued: II have large estate to dis
pose Of. also have few distant rela-
tives; not one among them would,
from genuine sorrow, shed a tear 1T
my grave; but this faithful fellow will
mourn" Here he once more caressed
the dog. II 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 probability, assist him in
reaching dog-heaven ahead of time,
wish to leave him in the care of my
gardener, Richard Jenkins. He is
faithful, and Amzie is fond of him. 1
wish him to understand that this room,
with all it contains, is to be reserved
for the use of the dog. The remain
ing portion of the house is to be used
by his own family, and Amzie is to be
well cared for. In compensation for
these services I will place at his dis
posal $1,000 the first year, and it shall
be increased 5000 each year that MY
pet shall live. A sure incentive for
Richard to see that he has good care"
he remarked, with a grin of satisfac-
ton, 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 he 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 properly
signed and witnessed, the lawyer had
gone and Philemon was once more
seated before the fire.
The evening shadows were lengthen-
ing. Philemon seemed to have forgot
ten that he usually ate a 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-
ton for some time Ho wac th;nL;nrof