Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-08-18
CHAPTER IT


CHAPTER II.
''Dr Elfenstein," said Mr. GRAY. INV
client and friend, Mr. Leon Rappelye.
is, as you see, extremely ILL., Our friend
is a lonely man. having no relatives liv-
ing to whom he wishes to leave his large
fortune. He has dictated his last will
and testament, and as he desires to sign
it before he may be unable to do so, it
was necessary for him to see you per-
sonally, previous to placing his name to
the document, in which, l may add, you
are deeply interested"
Earle Elfenstein started as he heard
these words. and looked from the lawyer
to the invalid beside him.
You are surprised, naturally" again
resumed Mr.. Gray, 'and probably won
der what Mr.. Rappelye knows of you.
will explain this at once. Your father
was George Elfenstein, well-known
banker; in years gone by he did Mr.
Rappelye a -be-fOrgotten service
His arrival in this country was follow
ed by long and dangerous illness, when
he lay alone among strangers, almost
neglected, and he attended to his wants
like a brother until he was entirely con-
valescent. They met often afterward
and then lost sight of each other. Years
of silence passed, when accidentally he
learned about three months since that
his benefactor was dead aad his only
son was a struggling physician in New
York. He has heard Of your fearless,
conscientious manner of meeting YOUR en-
gagements, and this was a characteristics
he particularly wished to find in some
young friend When. therefore, his
health entirely failed, he determined to
send for you, and perhaps place his af
fairs in your hands"
Anything that l can do within the
range Of honor and integrity, | shall be
pleased to undertake." Earle answered.
I'VE felt so. The case then is this;
but. of course, you will recognize the
fact that the history of our friends life,
which l shall be obliged to unfold to you,
is told in strict confidence. VIII you
promise to regard that confidence as a
sacred trust. never TO be told to another.
until all that is now mysterious has been
swept awayY
Il will"
Then / will proceed Our friend was
the youngest son of Sir Godfrey Glen
ienning. residing in large town near
Liverpool. This gentleman had one
daughter, who married against his
wishes. and three sons. Arthur. who
would in case of his death succeed to
the title: Reginald, two years younger,
and Fitzroy. the gentleman you see be-
fore you, whose severe domestic misfor-
tunes have been so great that for the last
twenty-five years he has been obliged to
live in this country. under the assumed
name of Rappelye."
Of -
parents. FOR they expired within a few
months of each other. and after his
brother Arthur had come into possession
of his title. little turmoils arose between
the brothers. and seemed to embitter
them exceedingly.
"Reginald, the second son, had an ugly,
morose disposition. that was peculiarly
eNasperating. and whenever the oppor-
tunity occurred he delighted in getting
Fitzroy into disgrace with the young
baronet.
These young men had very pretty
cousin. in whose society they each took
extreme pleasure. Her name was Con
stance Leonore Glendenning. 1t was soon
discovered that the affections of the
young girl were centered upon Sir Ar
thur, and this knowledge was immedis
ately followed by betrothal.
Reginald, being somewhat diSappoint-
ed that he could not win the prize. un-
dertook TO report several little interviews
of purely innocent and accidental ma
ture that Fitzroy had with this lady TO
has brother. casting very sinister light
upon them, and assuring Arthur that
Fitzroy was endeavoring to supplant him
in her favor.
This artful story Infatuated the yedng
n0bleman. and caused a very bitter inter
view. Fitzroy Indignantly denied every
thought of interference declaring the
truth. that his love for Constance was
merely cousinly. This Sir Arthur refus-
ed to believe and they parted in anger.
Fitzroy eNelaiming in a moment of un-
guarded passion as he left him;
VERY well, think so if it suits you;
but mark me. you shall yet repent your
unjust accusations. and. as l live. shall
never repeat this insult.
Closing the door as he spoke. he step
ped into the hall and stead face 10 face
with Antoine Duval the valet of his
brother Reginald. and from the conscious
look he gave him. Fitzroy knew that he
had either purpOsely listened or acct
dentally heard the unfortunate remark.
The brothers did not meet again that
day. but early the next. Fitzroy was
awakened By an unusual tumult. To his
horror be was tod that Sir Arthur had
disappeared during the night. His bed
had been occupied as usual, but he had
probably been murdered. or very badly
wounded. SIS while no traces Of his body
could ~ found. evidences Of 4 contest
/ were on every side
Blood was upon the bed and floor.
the window seat was covered with II. as
though he had been dragged through It.
and then by means Of a rope let down 70
the ground below. From the grass 10 an
ornamental lake not far distant were
/ irregular patches Of the same human
gore. Beyond that. nothing was ever
/ discovered, TAat lake was thoroughly
dragged for the body; the grave by the
side Of il was searched, not spot being
left in which a corpse could be buried
/ to no effect.
But. while stupehcd with grief owe,
/ his brothers less. our poor friend was,
made aware that the finger Of suspicion