Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-11-17
CHAPTER XIII

After DIR. Elfenstein had left the cas-
tie he leaped into his gig with a light
step and lighter heart, and, touching his
horse with a whip, started off at rapid
pace for a village about fifteen moles
distant. On the way he passed the post
Office and running in asked for his letters
and papers.
Among the letters was one from New
York, and the black envelope filled him
with dismay, as he felt sure it was the
forerunner of sorrowful news. Opening
it with trembling hand, he found his
worst fears fulfilled. 1t contained the
dreadful news of his mothers death, just
two weeks before.
Poor Elfensteii,i the shock was to him
a terrible one. He had loved his mother
tenderly, and was anticipating the great
est pleasure in soon seeing her again,
and perhaps inducing her to accompany
him back to his English home. Now all
was vain.
Controlling his feelings as best he
could, the mourning son resumed his seat
and drove onward, resolved, although
dazed by the suddenness of this blow, to
attend to his duties to the living, even
though his own heart bled.
We will not follow him upon that ride,
which proved successful physician of
well-known capability being secured to
attend to his patients during his absence
nor will we paint the incidents of his
voyage, which proved to be short and
propitious, but will present him next to
our readers when just entering Mr. Rap
pelye's house at Yonl,ers. His appear
ance was expected, as he had telegraph
ii &c ~. oh ,v,1
intention of leaving for his residence on
the early train.
A bright smile greeted him, and the
firm pressure of his hand told that he
was truly welcome. The sick man GER
tainly had gained some strength since he
had left, for now ne sat beside a win
dow. in a large easy chair, and it was
evident that he could carry on a CONVEX
satien without the presence and aid of
Mr.. Gray, his lawyer.
After few polite and friendly re-
marks, DIR. Elfenstein drew a chair close
to his side. and laying a finger upon his
pulse, smilingly said, as he did SO:
II am going TO see now, my dear sir,
how much news you can bear to be told.
Do you feel strong enough to bear a good
large amountT
Grasping his hand in one of his thin
ones, the poor man answered, eagerly:
''Yes, indeed l do If you have news
that L yearn to hear, it will be better
than all the medicines l have swallowed
in lifetime. Doctor, tell me at once,
has the mystery been solved? Is my in
noeence established?"
Perfectly established. Your brother
was not murdered. only terribly abused.
He has been found, and died a natural
death in my own house,
Clasping his hands together, while
large tears rolled over his pallid cheeks,
the innocent brother raised his eyes to
teaven, and murmured. reverently:
For this, Thy great mercy. l thank
Thee, Q God,'
A long pause ensued, Elfenstein pur-
posely retaining from saying more. until
his first agitation had passed away
Then, as discreetly as possible. pausing
every once in awhile 10 note the effect on
his feeble form, and TO watch his varying
pulse. he slowly told him the whole story,
leaving the reading of the affecting jour
nal until another day.
"Oh, my brother. my poor. dear broth
er. how terrible must have been mis- feel
ings all those years of solitude and de-
spairl Doctor. thus you see my own
troubles have been but a speck upon the
ocean compared with his"
Most true; and now, dear sir. you
must also be aware that, since both
bNothers are dead. you have become pos
scissor of title and estate. Allow me to
be the fist TO congratulate Sir Fitzroy
Glendenning."
The old man received the kind pres
sure of his hand and tender words with
deep emotion. then suddenly exclaimed
And 10 you l owe this speedy discov
cry and this great JOY"
Bowing his head upon his clasped
bands. he remained thus silent and
thoughtful for several minutes. At length
he broke the spell with these strange
words;
Since God in his great goodness has
thus established my innocence. am no
longer afraid TO own. and claim my son.
and he need never be ashamed TO call me
fatherr
Have you. indeed, son. my dear
friendg This, then. will be TO him also
JOY. l did not understand that you
had been married"
Il had been secretly married. and my
NASs N@4AEa aaNWbTSis WlO- was TIE Or
phsn daughter of the late Presbyterian
minister in small village. came with me
70 America, unknown to any one. for she
had no near relatives. She embarked,
/ say. with me. bringing our little boy.
aged two years. A fever broke out on
the ship, drrins our long passage, and
my daring wife died. Just two DAYS be-
fore we arrived in port. 1t was after
she had been lain away To rest in Green
wood. that my sickness came upon me.
caused by great grief and trouble. and
Mr.. Elfenstein came TO my relief. Ii
was TO him / solemnly gave my only
child. my little Earle. I then assumed
the name of Rappelye, not even his wife
knowing Of the change"
"Sir. what can yen mean? Did hear
aright?'' exclaimed EIfenstein. starting
forward. pale with surprise. as this sin
galar assertion fell upon his ears.
You did. My dear son. You did. You
are my own child and heir. Earle Ellen
steia Glendenning. and to you viii fall