Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1900-05-31
"What would you do?" asked a
voice behind him.

voice behind him.
Paul turned and beheld his uncle.
IF you owned the land what would
you do with II?
81 would make it bloom with life -
replied the youth eloquently. Think,
now that the rail is laid, how near it
is to the city. Think Of the toilsrs
there who might find light and comfort
these healthful shades If l owned
that land I would invite capital to
open it to the life that ought to occu-
py it. would call it the Eden of
Wildwood" "
"And suppose you had the capital
of your own, my boy ?"
THE Eden of Wildwood should be
verify.
A shadow passed over the old mans
face, after which there came a shining
light. He reached out and took his
nephew hand.
Paul, the capital is yours-the
land is yours.
Paul would have laughed if his
uncle had not looked so solemnly upon
him while he spoke. As it was he
simply exhibited bewilderment
a heard you express an earnest
wish for the land and l secured it for
you, continued Betterman.
Uncle, this is a serious jest. -
at is no Jest, Paul. In one word
Porter Lovett has returned 2'
"Lovett-returned 2'
"Yes, your fortune is safe.
Paul Renford was not sure that he
was in his waking senses. His uncle
was not the man to utter such Ian
guage jestingly.
ut is true, my boy. Lovett has re-
turned, and every dollar that he ever
held Of yours is not only safe, but the
amount is well-nigh doubled. -
Uncle Anson, what is this p
"Do you not guess ?"
81 dare not. Tell me.
Again the old man took his nephew's $
hand, and after a brief pause he
answered:
Paul, you may blame me If you
please-you may heap wrath upon my
head if you like, but You must know
that Loyett has only acted at my
bidding. l sent him away and he
stayed until called him back. l saw
you falling and sinking, my boy.
saw my sisters son wasting and dying !
of disease that could not be cured !
except he could be lifted from the PIT |
into which he had fallen. saw his
young manhood, so full Of native pow
er and goodness, bowed and
"stop stop "said Paul, raising his
other hand, 81 see it all.
"And do you blame me p
Blame you
aye, do you blame me for the
hard, harsh remedy l applied"
Blame you, uncle Shall blame
you for my manhood's health and
strength and vigor? Shall blame for
this ?" And he let 60 his uncles
hand, and drew his wondering wife to
his side. 81 only pray to God that
the return Of the lost wealth may not
cause my wife to love me lees. 1t
can never overshadow with its bulk
these other joys which have grown up
from the better part !"
1t was all as Uncle Betterman had
said. Lovett had gone away at his
order, having secured the property so
that no harm could befall it, and it
had all been done that Paul might be
thrown upon his own resources and
thus saved from the sloth that was eat
ing away his younglife. Andit worked.
And when Paul Renford had re-
ceived back his great fortune he was
true to the promise he had made con-
cerning the beautiful tract Of land be-
yond the river.
And this is the true story Of how
the toilers of the city came to be
blessed with those pleasant, healthful
homes in the Eden Of Wildwood.
Hello !" Hello !" "Is this you,
Johnny" Yes" This is mamma.