News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1902-04-23

steady than mine. Only take time and
be careful" And Quillebert drew the
thin sheet toward him and lit a match.
Don't do that. Give it to me-" Eva
riste cried.
"N0. no." his companion answered,
with sapient grin. This is mine.
You have the suggestion" And, touch
ing the flame to it, he turned the burn
ing paper with his fingers until every
part was converted to ashes, which he
crumbled with his hand and stirred
with those in the huge fireplace.
For many days Evariste remained on
the plantation. His reticence and
thoughtful mien were taken for sorrow
ing. Much of this time was spent in
his room. He aged visibly. The
poignancy of his grief was attested.
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 n sealed envelope
instructing me to open it on learning of
his death. l have just done 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, l recognize the writing to be
that of your brother"
you will so testify in court, father"
81 must, if called" His tone implied
reluctance.
you were one of his closest and most
highly esteemed friends and for that
reason, father, l deem it meet AID 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 Sin 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 G, 1861.
], 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
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
0akfell all my estate Of whatsoever kind and
wheresoever situated which | may possess at the
moment Of my death.
/ appoint my brother Evariste oakfeIl sole ex-
ecutor of this testament and dispense him from
giving bond.
This testament has been dsted, written and
signed by me on one sheet of paper at one writ
ing HoRAcE OAKFELL.
TContinued next week,
: Eis- See us for Job Printing. Prices o. K.