Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1903-09-17
CHAPTER III.
A Comedy in dc Moonllght.

IL was the voice of a man standing
outside the world as it were, and the
mildly demand who goes there?' was
delivered in a tone of indifference
which indicated an entire absence OF
curiosity or interest on the speakers
part.
Joan felt, without knowing why
that II the old man to whom it was ad.
dressed had shuffied off without re.
plying, the speaker would not have
taken the trouble to follow him OF
call to him again.
For a moment the thin, bent figure
stood irresolute. the lantern shaking
in his thin hand, then he struggled for,
ward and took off his hat with the air
of extreme Difference which is paid to
princes.
Lord Villiars? Yes, it is you, my
lord" he said, lowing at every other
word and making obsequious sweeps
with his hat.
The tall figure looked down at him
calmly.
Eyes, I am Lord Villiiars," he as
scented. and your"
You don't remember me, my lord"
said the old man, with a smile that
wrinkled up his face like crumpled
parchment; "and, dear me, that's not
surprising: "it's many years since me
met The last time was when you
paid a visit here" and he waved the
lantern toward the house. THE night
the old earl and you-ahem -"
"Quarreled." filled in Lord Villiars.
II remember You are the steward
the lawyer; forget your name, how
ever"
"Craddock, my lord. Craddocl,." said
the old man. elijah Craddock. at
torney-at-law, agent to the earl of
Arrowhead, my lord"
The earl nodded.
II remember you now, Mr.. Grad
dock" he said
There was moments silence, dur
ing which the old man surveyed the
handsome face above him with his
keen black eyes.
This Is an unexpected meeting, my
lord" he said. jeferentially.
Lord Villiars regarded him coldly.
at U.s. certainly did not expect to
see you here"
mo, no." assented Mr.. Crajdock;
this morning. and came down Toto
look over the house"
"And you found everything all right.
presume-altnough suppose I
should say all wrong. The place has
been shut up for some time, has II
not?" and he glanced along the wide
stretching facade.
"For years, my lord for years The
earl Of Arrowhead came here for a
few days before he died. but only two
OF three rooms were prepared FOR
him"
The earl nodded
at Is from you that received
notice of my inheritance. think?' he
said.
eyes. my lord. yes. had that
pleasure II Is noble inheritance, my
lord. Upon estimation. simple estima-
ton. the estate must be worth nearly
two million"
when did the earl make the viii
leaving 1t to me?'
"About eighteen months ago. my
lord. he replied, slowly
Eighteen months? Strarge!"
Strange. my lord?" repeated the
old man. with concealed curiosity.
Eyes" said the earl, carelessly
"Since that date | received a letter
from Lord Arrowhead stating that he
intended disinherlting me-"
The old man turned his head, and
Joan saw the black eyes sparkle and
fash.
mo. Oh. impossible, my lord!
Why should he have disinherited your
lordship?"
For two reasons" said the earl.
"First because we had quarreled, and
secondly because the earl gave a rea'
son for disinheriting me-"
'He gave a reason?" achoed the old
man. with suppressed eagerness.
And that reason, my lord"
Lord Vilhars unbottoned his
ulster. took some letters from an
inner pocket. and turned them over.
"a light, my lord. allow met" said
Mr. Craddock and he struck a match
and lighted the lantern, and held it
up
The earl selected a letter. and, un-
folding it, read:
My dear StuaIt-The doctors have
signed by death warrant, and as it is
highly improbable that we shall ever
meet again, write to prepare you
for great disappointment. had
promised to make you my heir; ii was
promise given on the spur of the mo-
ment and without consideration.
am an old man. and they say at
certain age old men become children;
my conscience has become as tender
as a child's. Right is right, let
sophists say what they will, and l
must do the right though 1t cost YOU a
bitter disappointment DO not be
surprised then II you wake from your
dream of possible riches TO find that
| have left my wealth to the person to
whom Il is righteously due. You are
a.. ~