Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-06-04
THE DAILY
SHORT STORY.
AN INHERITANCE

very large Bible. that had been
brought from England in 1GG0 and had
since descended from father to son.
When the Revolution came, Colonel
Robert Archard adhered to the cause of
the king. influencing two of his sons to
do the same. His youngest son. Carol
Archard. Joined the rebels" and was
banished by his father. Carol married
Martha Curtis, the sister of a brother
officer in the Revolutionary army. Car
rol was killed at the battle of Mon
mouth. leaving his wife TO struggle for
the support of their infant son.
Not long after the colonies had
achieved their independence Colonel
Archard died. He was n strange man,
and it was expected that his will would
contain some singular provisions. The
expectation was fulfilled. He divided
his property into two parts of about
equal value. giving his oldest son, Rob
ert, first choice; his next son. James,
second choice. \ third bequest was the
family Bible, which was left to the
widow and little son of Carol Archard,
in case neither of his SONS preferred to
take the book relinquishlng his share
to Martha and little Carol.
When the will was read. Robert
Archnrd. after thoroughly Investigating
the value OF the two portions. selected
that which he considered most desira-
BILE.
Robert Archard." said the family
lawyer. who had drawn the will, ''your
father charged me to ask you II you
would relinquish your share to Martha
Archard and her son. taking the family
Bible instead
II will not" said Robert.
The lawyer then told James Archard
that it was optional with him to take
the remaining portion of the estate or
the Bible. James showed no more dis
position to give up his Inheritance
than his brother had shown and as
fatty declined.
Before handing over the two por-
lions OF the estate to the brothers the
attorney addressed them: Il was in
your fathers confidence when he made
this will. He told. me of the existence
of Mrs. Archard and her son and was
undecided what to do for them in be-
queathing his property. He determin-
ed to leave all to his two sons, with q
request that they should find Mrs.
Archard and little Carol and provide
for them. ! told my client that I'm my
long experience in such matters | had
never known n iegatee to part with
any portion OF his Inheritance through
an instruction which was not obliga-
tory by the will. l advised him that
if he wished to provide for his son
Carols family to do so by leaving 4
portion OF his property directly TO
them. Colonel Archard declared that
he had perfect confidence in the gener-
osity of his sons and that they would
carry out any request he might make
of them Nevertheless he took the
matter under adviscment. \ few days
later he sent for me and instructed me
TO draw this WILL enjoining upon me
the duty of making his intentions per-
fectly plain to his heirs. He desired
to accept his inheritance or surrender
it to his brothers widow and son."
"Our brother" said Robert. was
rebel and traitor. and.I see no reason
why l should give my property to his
widow and son.
IL concur with Robert in this mat
ter" said James.
Then sign the papers. receipting for
your portions" said the lawyer.
When the signatures were affixed.
the lawyer handed the brothers the
deeds to their portions and locked the
receipts in his box. Then. turning to
the widow, he handed her the Bible.
II am at least pleased" she said.
that my husbands father and my
sons grandfather has shown Il kindly
interest in us. The family Bible. the
most sacred treasure of the household.
will descend through my boy, and l am
sure it will have its influence upon him
and those who follow him. Take ii,
Carol, and abide by its precepts."
She handed the Bible to her boy. who
looked at it, wondering what he was to
do with it. then opened 1t.
''Turn the leaves" said the lawyer.
The boy turned the leaves. presently
coming to bank bill. 1t was for 81 600.
All except the lawyer looked at it in as
''Take it." said the lawyer. att be-
longs to you and your mother. Now
turn more leaves"
One hundred thousand dollars in bills
were taken from the Bible. The two
brothers. whose portions combined
were less valuable. stood watching the
child withdraw the legacy. and when
the last bill had been withdrawn Rob
ert said fiercely:
This is not simply a Bible; it is a
portion of our fathers fortune and be
ongs to me and my brother. We will
contest the will"
THAT would be inadyisable" said the
attorney. ''since you have receipted for
-FOUR portions. and If the will is de-
.lared void the widows and her sons
portion under the law would be third
Df the whole. or very nearly what they
nave received"
The brothers retired discounted and
after taking the advice OF attorneys
~ ufaScal I'm thpir fofbar'c will