The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1902-01-09

A month later, wearing on his hat a
band of black, he sought audience Of
Father Grhe, who received him with
courtesy, but not with warmth, briefly
speaking the expected words of condo
lence.
Father" he said, my dear, generous
Brother left with me sealed envelope
fnstructing me to open it on learning of
his death. I have just Zone so and
found it to. be his last will and tesla
ment in the Geographic form. Here it
is. Kindly read it and say whether
you recognize the handwriting to be
entirely his, for know you have often
seen him write and sign during his life
time" he had got by rote the very
wording of the codes formula.
The priest carefully studied the pa
per, throwing now and then a search
Ing glance upon the subdued coun-
tenance Of his visitor, and said:
Eyes, I recognize the writing to be
that Of your BROTHER
"You will so testify in court, father ?"
II must, if called" His tone implied
reluctance.
you were one of his closest and most
highly esteemed friends and for that
reason, father, deem it meet and de-
sirable that you should be one of the
witnesses to prove his testament
"Be it so," said the good man, though
he piously wished the request had not
been made.
Evariste now sought Noreau, the old
time clerk Of court, and, putting to
him the same interrogatories, received
the like responses.
And in due course, on proof of hand
writing delivered by Father Grhe and
Lucien Noreau and of death made by
Valsin Mouillot, the parish Judge at
tached his paraph and ordered to be
executed ''in all it's parts and particu-
lars' the following instrument pro-
pounded by Evariste as the last will
and testament of Horace Oakfell:
PARISH OF AvoYELLEs, LOUISIANA May 6, 1861.
I, Horace Oakfell of 'L'Esperance' plantation,
In the parish and state above written of lawful age
and without forced heirs being of sound health
both in mind and body, but knowing the GER
tainty of death and the uncertainty of the time
thereof and especially having in view the perils
OF war, into which am about to enter, do make
this my last will and testament in the Geographic
form.
give and bequeath unto my brother, Evariste
Oakfell, all my estate of whatsoever kind and
wheresoever situated which may possess at the
moment of my death.
l appoint my brother, Evariste Oakfell sole ex-
ecutor of this testament and dispense him from
giving bond
This testament has been dated, written and
signed by me on one sheet Of paper at one writ
ing. HORACE OAKFELL.
Receiving the letters testamentary
sealed with seal Of the court, his war
rant Of dominion over all the Oakfell
fortune, Evariste proudly traversed the
parish, returning to "L'Esperance" as
it's master.
"Ah, Horace" to himself he said, Tin
your narrow bed beneath the apple
trees do you dream? Can you see your
mean craftiness made stepping stone
to my will? Do you now believe that
am fit for neither law nor politics? o
wise Horace, do you not know that sue
cess Is the only thing worth striving
for; that with it I rise in my. own es-
teen and advance in the respect of my
fellow men? Do you not understand
the difference between your arrogant
daring and my patient courage? Have
you visions, sleeping hero? Behold this
one. The beautiful, melting Estelle is
no longer a virgin widow. Her sweet,
blushing face is under the bridal veil.
Rouse yourself, dear brother, and be
present at the marriage fete."
II will,' said a voice, which froze his
blood and caused him to reel in his
saddle.
II will send squad with the corporal
to guard the cotton continued the
voice, and, looking around, he saw and
saluted two officers of the Union forces
passing behind him on the crossroad
to Coude de Francois.