The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1903-03-19
AN INHERITANCE

was OTten the most important article IN
the household. The Archards, an arts
tocratic family OF Maryland. possessed
very large Bible that had been
brought from England in 1860 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. Carrot
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
rpl 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 strange man.
and it was expected that his viii 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. A third bequest was the
family Bible. which was left TO the
widow and litGle son of Carol Archard.
in case neither of his sons preferred TO
take the book relinquiShing his share
to Martha and little Carol.
When the will was read. Robert
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 10 ask you If you
would relinpush your share to Martha
Archard and her son. taking the family
Bible instead
Il 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-
tons of the estate to the brothers the
attorney addressed them: II 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 a
request that they should find Mrs.
Archard and little Carol and provide
for them. | told my client that in my
long experience in such matters ! had
never known a legatee to part with
any portion of his Inheritance through
an instruction which was not obliga
tory by the will | advised him that
If he wished to provide for his son
Carols family to do so by leaving
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 advisement. A 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 leave either or both of his sons free
to accept his inheritance or surrender
1t to his brothers widow and son."
"Our brother" said Robert. was
rebel and traitor. and ! see no reason
why | 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.
IL am at least pleased" she said.
that my husbands father and my
sons grandfather has shown kindly
interest in us. The family Bible, the
most sacred treasure Of the household.
will descend through my boy. and am
sure it will have its influence upon him
and those who follow him. Take it.
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 it.
"Turn the leaves" said the lawyer.
The boy turned the leaves. presently
coming to bank BILL 1t was for $1,000.
All except the lawyer looked at 1t in as
constituent.
"Take it," said the lawyer. 'Tt 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