The daily morning Alaskan., 1902-03-28
THE BURNED WILL


 the kitchen window of the New Eng land farmhouse that had sheltered her for the past fifteen years. Her uncle and aunt. the Wmthrops. had adopted her when she was left an orphan two years of age and they had never re- grctted It, for she lad been Joy and comfort to them in their home, while their only child. son. had brought 10 them nothing hut sorrow.
 Mir. Winthrop had spent his life per. sectlng his farm. of which he was very proud, and the thought that after hls death his son Duncan would squan- der it away In a very short time so yexed him that after his wife's death be made q will giving everything be bad to his adopted daughter, Marie, excepting Sl.OOO bequeathed to his son,
 The whole nelglborhood knew that such a will had been made. but now that the old man was dead and buried 1t was not to be found, and Duncan'B name was mentioned in whispers Of foul play.
 Marie stood looking sadly upon the fields of waving grain and watching the birds flutter here and there. How happy they were together, Watching them made her realize her own loncll. ness, so she turned her gaze upon the highway and saw Duncan Winthrop approaching the house. Presently he stood before her-a young man that can be described by the one word pro1igate.
 T am going to sell the farm mex, week and came to tell you, so you can vacate these premises" said he, while watching the effect his words bad upon the face before him.
 You are going to sell the farm" re. peated Maria in dazed way. trying to realize all that meant for her
 "Hes. I need the money and must have It."
 But where can | Go"
 "That you must decide for yourself. You have had a good home here for fifteen years. and lt is about time you began Co get your own living"
 But Father Winthrop never intend ed to leave me destitute He told me that he had made will providing for me. and lt will surely be found"
 Duncan Winthrop smiled and pulled from his pocket a paper which he open. cd and held up for Marie Co see. It was not such an elaborate affair as wills are nowadays. but a small sheet of letter paper, on which were written in as few words as possible John Win throp's wishes in regard to the dis poSal Of his estate after bis death and signed by three witnesses.
 'ls that thc wi,l3' questioned Marie in astonlsAmcnt.
 "That is the will" was the curt reply.
 "Whcrc did you cct itg"
 'I stole lt. Do you think l would let any one else get possession Of it? It makes all the difference iu the world to mc who has it. and Co make myself wholly safe think J'll destroy lt now" So saying, hc walked Co thc kitchen stove where a small fire was burning, and placing tlc open paper upon the coals. stood and watched the flames de. vour lt. Marie. spenbound, watched it also.
 q shall inform Lawyer Ferris imme- diato,y what you have done" she cx- claimed as thc lest u.t Of flame flicker. ed out.
 "Nill you" r',uracd Duccaa. with a laugh, replacing ttc cover upon the stove. And low win you prove lt, for | shall say | didu't"
 "Thcy win believe uc."
 "Perh2ps. hut as l.ns as you can prove uothlrs oa9 snap my Gncc-s 1t what thoy b.u'tc. SO now you must sop |; Wtl lc necessary rlr you .l r1L Dow lr'.'-r vo.v ecol." Then 1' lo.t thr l1.. a9l slar.r stood ir. c.1ia,.lF VLe.u, uim pass down ;ur -s.i .S' cr >'-It
 N.eA1.cs.y sle approached the
 oyr aui lfr' .s, cover There a7
 ech morsa ler iIy thc win 10 ss"s. bat cy,g Voel visible sin. aad r'ral it thra.sh. great tears ro'l,"e
 e'i le. checks SC tho warl7. "l give . &aJca,b Co nay beloved daughter
 s;'c Richards. .h' ta.u and every
 Ing upen it"
 Scllonly it occurred Co her that lf . H |. do. sa ...rs .c; 20 state ue lpy then were .t would poo. c3o.gl % rea,.!sh Duncan's
 ', ant h.r orH cla u. Flor several l.rg,r. shc stood dcharer n her 3'tl tlr faccst way Go accomplish it
 .g,euly. securing piece Of tiu pla.c .b..j 10, ,'zt oc tlc w.u she careful y sIppri !; r-lyr t!e gslcs and lifted f.rn thr stove SI far so good hU; [ was not yet safe. for breath of wind or a sudden jar would turn it Co lust.
 Smcaginc a sheet of white paper Nl;h mc.lacc. w';h thc help Of a ta- blc knife she gently pushed and lifted che phantom will from the J.n Co thc paper and pressed lt into place; then. to protect lt from Injury, she fastened over lt thin sheet Of tracing popct and. behold, the VIII was preserved. somewhat wrinLled and ragged on th" edges. but every word visible li was accepted by the probate court as gen ulne will. and the property was dis posed of as Farmer Winthrop wished 't to be. for no one was inclined Co prosecute Duncan for what he hal lone. Ue received his thousand dollars