The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1901-09-14
CHAPTER XIII.
Philip GraysOn's VIII.

The funeral was over more tnan q
week-all that remained Of the import
ant and powerful millionaire had been
laid in the vault of Greenwood Gene
terry, long since prepared for the Gray
sons. and with it had been, apparently.
laid away the secret of the sudden and
mysterious blow that had stricken to
death the new-made bridegroom.
The verdict 1T the coroner's inquest
had been "Murder-by some person
unknown" And, like so many mystic
rious murders, the affair seemed likely
to remain a mystery until the day when
all secrets shall be revealed. The ex-
element gradually died away, and, ex-
cept by the family and immediate
friends, was soon forgotten.
Mrs. Martin was, indeed. as anxious
as ever-if possible, more Soto fix the
guilt OIL Shirley Austin, and, through
him, to implicate Clarice; but Detect
i've Hantlin was quietly, but obstinate
ly and persistently. following up every
clue that seemed likely to lead him to
the criminal. But he maintained an
absolute silence: and, as for the lady,
another subject divided. at least equal
ly, her attention, and this was the dis
position of the property left by her
brother.
That he had made a will some a
previous to his death, she, OF course,
knew very we'll; but his marriage had
rendered that worthless, except as in
dicating his wishes.
She VII have her widows third. of
course" Mrs. Martin reflected. envying
Clerice ven that piece Of coed luck.
land, out of such wealth as Philips.
that alone would be q fortune for her:
bat what can't be helped must be borne
ss we'll as possible. I am lucky to get
off so well. Robert and myself are h
only heirs to the rest. and we will be
~rich-rich! Oh, what JOY, after the life
of pinching and patching and manag-
ing that I have led! Thank goodness,
it will be all settled soon, and I suppose
1t is as we'll to hear the will read, use
less though 1t is now"
And Kate Martin consulted the law
yer's letter in her hand, in which Mr..
Baldwin had hidden her to the reading
of Philip Grayson's will. which was to
take place at his late residence.
To-day at IL o'clock, and it is now
g." she said, looking at her watch. II
will go alone. Robert has received a
similar summons, but I will meet him
there. AS to the girls, I will not take
them. What would be the use, poor
things? Only to disappoint them in
case they ere not named in the will.
Besides-bless their pretty faces!-they
will nave plenty from me now. and no
longer shall they have to wear out their
bright eyes making over old gowns
that are filter for h rug bag than for
two young and charming girls!"
Her face was quite winning and wo-
manlike while these thoughts of her
daughters passed through her mind;
and with that pleasant look on 1t, Mrs.
Martin hurried away to give orders for
the day to the maid-of-all-work, and.
afterward, to prepare herself for the
visit to Mrs. Grayson's.
When she reappeared, the bereaved
sister was arrayed in heavy mourning;
but a liberal supply of jet trimmings
glinting and glittering here and there,
reviewed the somber effect of paramat-
ia and Grape. Ind Kate Martin knew
that she had seldom in her life looked
more elegant or attractive.
Her thoughts were full Of Philip, and
she felt that h had never so dearly
flowed him. Was he not the occasion of
that rich and becoming garb, n was
she not to inherit nearly a quarter of a
million-perhaps more-in consequence
of his death? What heart could fail to
overflow with love and tender apprect-
ton at such a time?
Bertha, love-" she said, kissing her
eldest daughter goodbye, II will leave
the house in your charge; you will take
good care of everything. The sick gem,
tleman Is doing well, and will soon be
able to relieve us of further charge of
him." g, .
"Oh, no, mammal" exclaimed Bertha.
coloring brightly.
She was not yet aware that their sick
guest was Shirley Austin, and her
mother had carefully concealed the fact
from her. She chose for the present to
keep that circumstance a secret from
all except herself and Detective Hant-
lin, and she was so occupied with that
thought as to leave unncticed Bertha'e
agitation and the vivid blush that
turned the girls fresl. young face into
the color of a rose.
IT ntan,' continued the daughter, in
GULL u6AOASI VI DC AS
better-much better. But it will be q
long while. mamma dear. before he will
be well enough to leave U.S."
''That remains to be seen. However,
take care Of him for the present. He's
getting on marvellously well, and that
Naylor is quite wonderful as a nurse.
The doctor will be here this morning.
too,'' she added. But there, I must be
of, Bertha, or I shall be late"
And Mrs. Martin hurried away.
A carriage-the best thel livery stable
could f~urnish-was waiting for her, and
as she settled herself into 1t and felt
herself driven rapidly away, her mind
wa divided between q sense of luxury
and conjecture as to the former ac.
nuaintance between Shirley Austin and
his physician, DR.. Bethune.
She had reached no satisfactory con-
clusion on the subject when she arrived
at her destination. The door was open
ed by Susan, her special favorite
among the servantssof the house. and
shefwas at once shown Into the recep-
ton room; but IN h WI she, con-
trived to ask o. question or two:
"F7ow have things been going, Susan,
since the funeral."
Well, ma'ams the missus do seem Sto
bear up uncommon well. an she's very
quiet. The French maid Is i'm
a<x- X. n IL ~