Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-08-26
CHAPTER, XIII.

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 a whip, started off at a 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
1t 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
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-a 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
prvpitious, but will present him next to
our readers when just entering Mr.. Rap
pelyes house at Yonkers. His appear
ance was expected, as he had telegraph
ed of his arrival in New York, and
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 he sat beside win
dow, in a 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 a few polite and friendly re
marks, DR.. Elfenstein drew a chair close
to his side, and laying finger upon his
pulse, smilingly said, as he did SO:
81 am going to see now. my dear sir.
how much news you can bear to be told
Do you feel strong enough to bear good
large amountY'
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 1 have swallowed
in a lifetime. Doctor, tell me at once,
has the mystery been solved? Is my in
nocence establshed?"
"Perfectly established. Your brother
was not murdered, only terribly abused.
He has been found, and died a natural
death in my own house." -z
Clasping 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. 0 God!'
A long pause ensued, Elfenstein pur-
posely refraining from saying more, until
his first agitation had passed away
Then, as discreetly 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
er! 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 but speck upon the
ocean compared with HIS
Most true; and now, dear sir, you
must also be aware that, since both
brothers are dead, you have become pos
sessor of title and estate. Allow me to
be the first to congratulate Sir Fitzroy
Giendenning."
The old man received the kind pres
sure Of his hand and tender words with
deep emotion, then suddenly exclaimed:
"And to you owe this speedy discov-
cry and this great JOY"
80 Bowling his head upon his clasped
hands, he remained thus silent and
thoughtful for several minutes. At length