The Afro-American advance., 1900-04-21

ear rested against Philemon : side, as
his friend had heard IL.
A serious expression rested ON the
usually happy eountenanee 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 pbysi-
clans were as puzzled over the appar-
ent effect of their communication 1s
they were as to the origin Of the sweet
strains. Philemon walked down the
village street like man In n dream.
| 4 neighbor spoke socially as he passed.
| but the old man did not hes. 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 Mt his master. who had failed 10
speak 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 reassnringIs.
"Amzie -
The dog bounded TO his feet with a
whine OF pieasure.
"Amzie. my boy. haye much 10 a.
tend TO; very much, for have this day
received warming"
lie placed his hand on the animals
head. and In a sorrowful and affec-
tioDate manner caressed the only crea-
ture left to him whom he believed loved
| him disinterestedly.
"Yes, Amzle, | have received n warn
ing Of the approaching change. ! sup
] pose / ought TO he thankful that the
time draws near, but IL Is uncertain,
after all. You must be provided for,
tiycs who anxiously await my final
leaye-taking cannot cheat you out Of
| your inheritance! You are my best
friend. Amziel DO you understand me
Ny best friend!"
The mnstiH raised one huge paw anil
placed II across his masters knee as
he tried TO lick the hand that caressed
him. Philemon gently stroked IL. and
continued: II have been told that
there are animals on the next plane
Amzie; cannot say whether II be true.
but you can come to me N they misuse
you. They dare not, sir! They dare
not!" he shouted, excitedly.
He pulled the chair toward IA rather
antlquated desk and wrote several
words on n slip of paper.
Take this to Richard. my boy. II
my heart In weak must save steps;
have heard that walking is injurious
n one suffers with heart disense.''
The dog took the note in his mouth
and, ms Philemon opened the door.
bounded outward 4 few moments
later he returned, with the gardener
closely following
"You sent for me. sir? Annie
brought the note
"Yes. Richard; | want you 10 bring
lawyer here at once. He must be the
first one you can find. | am in a great
hurryl" And the man hurried away.
When the lawyer arrived he found
Philemon seated before the desk, busiiy
engaged In arranging his business pa
pers. One drawer after another hnd
been cmptied and the contents henped
In considerable confusion before hini
He welcomed the lawyer and proceeded
90 explnin why he had called him.
II have concluded, sir, that a man
who has lived as long In this world
ns | have ought To properly arrange
matters before leaving for the next:
therefore. | have sent for you to do
the work for me-"
The lawyer acquiesccd, politely re-
marking that he hoped II might he
many years first. and Philemon con
tinuedi ~ have "A large estate TO die
pose Of. also have few distant relu-
tiyesi not one among them would,
from genuine sorrow, shed tear At
my grave; but this faithful fellow will
mourn" Here he once more caresscd
the dog. II want him properly cared
for during his life. II he survive me
and have good reason to believe thnt
he viii; and as either one of the ras.
caliy 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, lie Is
| faithful. and Amzic Is fond Of him. |
| wish him TO understand that this room,
with oil IL contains. is To be reserved
for the use of the dog. The remain.
ing portion Of the house II to be used
by his own family. and Amzie II 10 he
well cared for. In compensation for
these services | will place at his dis.
posal 81 900 the FIRST year and Il shalt
be increased $500 each year that NY
pet shall live. A sure incentive for
Richard to see that he has good care. "
he remarked. with n grin of sAtisfac-
tion, as the lawyer rapidly transferred
the old mans wishes TO paper.
lie then explained mlnutely how and
what the dog was 90 be fed aud he
wished Richard to understnnd that
| though he often stretched himself be.
fore the Bre, at times he enjoyed lying
on the broad sofa, which must be left
| for his use alone.
The lawyer smiled indulgently, and
| continued 10 write until the rather
/ peculiar document was finished
| Soon aterward the viii was properly
signed and witnessed, the lawyer had
| gone and Philemon was once more
seated before che fire.
The evening shadows were lengthcn.
ing. Philemon seemed 10 have forgot
ten that he usually ate a hearty meal
at this hour. Amsie. as usual. lay At
a. -