Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-12-10
CHAPTER XNILI.

After DR.. Elfenstein had left the cas-
tie he leaped into his gig with a light
step and lighter heart, and, touching his
horse with 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
II with a trembling hand, he found his
worst fears fulfilled. 1t contained the
dreadful news of his mothers DEATH Just
two weeks before.
Poor Elfenstein! 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
dnzed 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 capahility 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 Yonkcrs. His appear
ance was expected, as he had telegraph
ed of his arrival in New York, and
intention of leaving for his residence on
che early train.
A bright smile greeted him, and the
arm pressure of his hand told that he
was truly welcome. The sick man GER
calmly had gained some strength since he
had left. for now he sat beside n win
dow, in n large easy chair. and it was
evident that he could carry on CONVEX
sation without the presence and aid of
Mr.. Gray, his lawyer.
After n few polite and friendly re-
marks, DR.. Hlfenstein drew n chair close
30 his side, and laying n finger upon his
pulse, smilingly said, rs he did so:
II am going to see now, my dear sir
now much news you can bear to be told
Do you feel strong enough to bear good
large amountV'
OTdnplnP MS HUuu III one Oh MS IulH
ones, the poor man answered, eagerly
''Yes, indeed do! If you have news
that l yearn to hear, it will be better
than all the medicines have swallowed
IN a lifetime. Doctor, tell me at once,
has the mystery been solved? Is my in
nocence establishedT
Perfectly established. Your brother
was not murdered only terribly abused.
He has been found, and died Il natural
death in my own house."
Claspng his hands together, while
large tears rolled over his pallid cheeks,
the innocent brother raised his eyes to
heaven, and murmured, reverently:
"For this, Thy great mercy, | thank
Thee, o Godr
A long pause ensued, Elfenstein pur-
posely refraining from saying more, until
bis first agitation had passed away.
Then, as discreety as possible, pausing
every once in awhile to 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
err! how terrible must have been his feel
ings all those years of solitude and de-
spair! Doctor, thus you see my own
troubles have been hut a speck upon the
ocean compar ID with his"
Most true; and now, dear sir, yor
must also be aware that, since botl
brothers are dead, you have become pos
SCISSOR of title and estate. Allow me I,
be the first to congratulate Sir Fitzro!
Glendenning"
The old man received the kind pres
sure Of his hand and tender words wit
deep emotion then suddenly exclaimed
And TO you | owe this speedy discoy
cry and this great JOY"
Bowling his head upon his claspe
hands, he remained thus silent an
thoughtful for several minutes. At lengt