Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1903-06-06
CHAPTER I.


an THE gentleman would like to see you,
cir said the youth.
lfr West looked at the card, and
,tarted The name he read was-"Mr.
Alexis Inglesant."
@Show Mr.. Inglesant in, Hammond"
bo said; and added to himself, when once
more alone-''DeaFl dear! What
hreak-up that has been! Max was, after
oil the best of the two sons, and yet this
scamp Alexis takes everything. He'll
mn through the property in a few
years"
The door opened again, and the gentle
man thus unfavorably criticised ap-
peared.
He was a tall man, slightly and grace
fulIv. vet strongly built, with a singh
Iarly handsome face, and large blue-gray
eyes which had keen, penetrating look,
seeming to see far more than they re-
vealed. Tire was an ease and hssomness
in the mans movements which argued
much exercise in the open air, and freer
and more untrammeled life than England
affords: but there was nothing of the
roughness of the colonial, as Mr.. West
was pleased to see, knowing that Alexis
Inolesant-who was now 33-had lived
for the last ten years in Australia.
Irglesants face and personnel generally
was another agreeable surprise; for the
scamp" bore no traces of the dissolute
life he was credited with, even in the
colony, and was known to have led before
he left England.
Good morning, Mir. Inglesant," said
the old family solicitor. Il am glad to
see YOU again, though it is, in some ways,
q sad occasion. You are a good deal
changed from the young fellow 1 knew
years ago"
In more ways than one, | hope" said
lnglesant, shaking hands; and then he
added, seating himself
Strangely enough, I was on my way
home when l heard of my fathers death,
and of the provisions of his will"
1T is hard upon your elder brother,
Mr. Inglesant," said the lawyer. "You
will pardon my saying this, know; but
there is not penny left to Mr.. Max
Mr. Inglesant, as he now is"
where is he?" said Inglesant.
Abroad ,oAoewhere. | cannot tell you
where. Fe anG your father quarreled-
do not know what about-and Mr.. Max
went away. I should have communicated
with him, but did not know where to find
him"
How long ago was this quarrel? I
heard, of course, that there was some dis
agreement; otherwise my father would
not have altered his will"
Some five years ago"
so long as that? Well, ! must try to
find him. What would you have done
about me if l hadn't turned up?"
4 was about to advertise in the lead
ing Australian newspapers, MIR. Ingle
SAINT
Il was right up country. I might not
1 have seen any papers. When did you last
see my brother, Mr.. West?'
Not since you and he were lads to-
4 getner," replied the solicitor. 'You We're
very much alike then--but Max was the
taller, if l remember right"
Yes, he was. l don't think there
would be much difference now. And my
A father?"
Mr. West had not much to tell him
there. Old Mr.. Inglesant had died very
suddenly, being, III fact, found dead in
bed by his valet. 1t was not to be ex-
pected that Alexis should show very
much emotion. James Inglesant was al
ways, at the best of times, harsh and
tyrannical, and neither of his sons could
be profoundly devoted to him. Alexis
had always set him at defiance, and gone
his own headstrong way, though possibly
he was not quite as black as die was
painted. Then came statements concern
ing the property left by the old man. 1t
comprised the fine old manor house of
Oak Brettan, with q small estate in land.
ana very large personality, so that
Alexis Ipglcsant, who went to Australia
with few hundred pounds, would now
be rich man. How long he would re-
nam rich was a problem which caused
the Old lawyer considerable uneasiness,
unless the past ten years had changed
Alexis very much indeed for the better.
II bls face and manner did not greatly
ueIe MIN, he had changed for the better;
but who could tell? Wealth is severe
moral test. and a, man who has led a
reckless, and more than reckless, life, Is
away open to the temptation of return
M to it. Alexis IngIesant, however,
showed very cll IT business head, and
MI West found 10 difficulty whatever in
making him understand the different dis
positions of the property. Once or twice
lngesant caught the old mans eyes re-
safdlng him with a sort of wistful. in
CURING look, and at last he said, with
half-laugh-
Is anything the matter? Are you not
Sausted that | am my fathers son?'
Perfectly" replied the lawyer, though
ne colored a little. for, in point of fact,
ne had been thinking that Inglesant's
co"ntenance shower finer traits than he
would have credited to Alexis. To his
surprise, Inglesant seemed to divine his
'aoagat, and went straight to the point.
You wonder" he said coolly, chat I
9oA look more of blackguard? But
nave been rusticating, you know, the last
Jew Years, and Pm going to turn over a
new leaf now"
Mr. nglesant-I beg your pardon!"
s" ., the old lawyer, confused.
az l ought to beg yours said the other;
r0v am not offended I've been a fine
Sse@pegTace and l can't think what Max
..as done to be cut out of the will alto
s7s4er. 1t was the other way about be-
~. lie rose as he spoke Il am ut
.Ie inns of Court Hotel" he said. Il
~ pose / need not detain you any longer
al presently"
~ Iaank you. I viii call upon you to-
r., :, TO" morning, Mr.. Inglesant, about