The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1904-01-29

was discovered only recently In a ne
gro hut in ST. Bernard parish Our
buyer went on a duck hunt with some
friends and they stopped to get water
in settlement of Acadians and ne
groes. He noticed the gliding ON the
feet, although they are badly furnished,
and he got the mulatto woman, who
said the desk was her property, to sell
it to him. She was eager to get rid
of it, and the presumption is she never
came by it honestly. 1t is particularly
fine. There are wreaths and flowers
and bronze doors splendidly executed
It's beautiful piece of workman
ship"
Alme gave an exclamation of de-
light and decided then and there to
become its owner.
She was bending forward, admiring
the delicate tracery of inlaid scroll
work when she felt the ffutter of a
hand on her arm.
Turning, she saw the frail, delicate
little old lady, Miss Hortense, stand
ing by her side bending forward, hei
gazs fixed in trembling anxiety on the
desk, her face drawn and gray, while
her lips moved inaudibly.
What is it? For heavens sake
what is the matter?" Alme said,
throwing an arm around the thin,
trembling form to support her.
Il knew we would find Tiny
mothers desk. Mr.. Norton said some
day he would have it brought back"
she said, in a small faint voice. "The
will is in there-my grandfather's will.
The key is on this chain. / always
| wear it around my neck, because there
is so much land and property men
| toned it is safer. Take it, my dear.
The top of the desk is double. Do you
see the key hole? Open it Your
young eyes are better than mine. Give
| me the papers. 1 promised my law
yers l would bring the document to
them as soon as found it. You see.
| it means enormous wealth. Take the
| key, my dear, and open it. How for
| tunate you came; l am not as strong
| and young as I used to be, and the
sight of my mothers desk has affected
me. Her name was Flore ,d,Aurillac.
Her initials are in silver inside. I felt
confident that with the assistance of
my good Mr.. Norton would some day
get back my own again. 1t is for
Rene's sake"
| She held out small gilded key, her
transparent hand trembling violently.
Better humor her; take it," Mr.
| Norton whispered over her head to
| Alme, slipping his arm around Miss
Hortense, whose deadly pale face
leaned against him, as if she were
about to faint.
Alme took the key, and, talking en-
couragingly, placed it where Miss Hor-
tense told her.
To her intense surprise the lid
opened, and in the narrow space lay
slim folded paper, yellow with age,
and tied with faded ribbon.
Mr.. Norton gave an exclamation OF
equal establishment as Alme took it
from it's longtime repository and
handed it to Miss Hortense.
/ With look of profound compassion
he placed it gently in her trembling
fingers.
"Why, Miss Hortense, this is a great
find. But you are not feeling very
strong to-day. Suppose you let me take
this will of your grandfather's to your
lawyer? Judge Duval, is 1t not? He
will come around and see you and start
proceedings to get all your property
back for you and Rene. He'll cal,
round tonight Suppose you let ms
take you to your room?"
Lifting her gently and saying h
would be back in a few minutes, Mr.
Norton went out.
. In the other room Dan McFerson was
discussing the respective merits Of
Flemish and French oak of the middle
centuries.
Excuse me for keeping you wait.
ing" the dealer in curios said, coming
back some ten minutes later. ut was
J a singular find, but it will make hel
happy for the few remaining years she
has to live, poor SOUL"
"Was it the will?" Alme asked. Gloss
ing the lid of the pretty desk.
Mr., Norton shook his head.
"An old love letter; best destroyed
and forgotten. But she thinks it Is
the will and is rejoicing in the thought
of the boys future and laying out great
plans for him."
Poor little thing" Alme said. com.
. passionately. What will become OF
!, Rene when she dies?'
He will be cared for the art dealer
: said, quietly. HE is good, honest
lad. Well make civil engineer OF
him. That's better than giving him
Chevalier d'Aurilliac's wealth" =!
: Alme turned and shook hands warns
ly with Mr.. Norton without speaking
her brown eyes little misty, although
her smile was winsome and bright.
Have you concluded your pur'
chases?" McFerson said, coming in and
taking out his watch.
Some of them-yes. This lovely