Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1904-10-27


Stephen was In the library, and
Summers noiselessly ushered in the
lawyer II happened to be what
Stephen would have called one Of his
bad mornings. He was seated at the
table, not at work, but looking at the
pile of papers with lack-luster eyes,
that saw nothing, and pale, drawn face.
Hudsley had seen him like this be-
fore, but his keen eyes looked like
steel blades,
Stephen started and put his thin,
white hand across his brow.
Good morning" he said. Good
morning. Amy news? sit down."
But Hudsley remained standing.
Il have no news" he said. Il think
| may say that there are no more sur
prises for us. You know the extent
of the fortune which you hold"
He did not say (which is yours" or
which your uncle left you" Simply
which you hold" On Stephens
strained mind the phrase Jared. He
nodded and kept his eyes downcast
THE business that lies within my
province" continued Mr.. Hudsley, lis
completed. What remains Is the work
OF an accountant My task Is done"
Il am sure" said Stephen, smoothly,
that you do not need any assurance
of my gratitude"
The old man waved his wrlnkled
hand,
Il have been the legal adviser of the
Dayenant family for the last forty
years" he said, "and | know my duty.
| trust have done 1t so far as you are
concerned, he said, sternly. And now
| have come to you to request you to
receive what papers and documents
are in my charge-my clerk Skettle,
will hand them to you and take your
receipt--and to inform you that !
wish to withdraw from my position as
your legal adviser"
stephens pale face WINGED and
shrunk, and he raised his eyes sus-
Ipiciously.
mir. Hudsley, you surprise me! May
| ask your reasons for this abrupt
withdrawal"
my reasons are my own" said
lludsloy, dryly; II may say that am
growing old, and that | am disinclined
to undertake the charge Of SO large an
estate"
"Oh!" said Stephen, with a sickly
smile Such n reason Is unanswerable
| But deeply regret it-deeply. My
uncle always trusted you
He did nothing of the sort" inter.
rupted Mr.. Hudsey, sternly HE
! trusted no man"
AT any rate | have placed implicit
and welmerlted confidence in you,
said stephen.
The old man looked at him and
stephen trembled.
III hope | shall find your bin of
costs among the papers?" he said,
hoarsely.
No" said Mr.. Hudsley. What ser
vice | have rendered YOU ! consider as
rendered to the estate. The estate has
paid me sufficiently hitherto | need,
will receive no other payment.
But" urged stephen
Mr. lludslcy waved his hand,
Il am quite resolved, sir II you
should need any information respecting
any business that has occurred up to
the present. am at your service; but
for the future ! beg to withdraw.
Good morning"
stephen rose. and held out his hand.
AT least, Mr.. Hudsley" he said,
I'VE part as friends, Notwithstanding
this hasty resolution Of yours?'
1T is not hasty, sir" said Iudsley,
and just touching the cold, thin hand,
he bowed and left the room,
stephen sank into chair. and wiped
the drops of cold sweat that had &C.
cumulated on his brow
'He suspects me- he muttered He
suspects hut he suspects only, and
he can do nothing, or he would have
done 1t. Yes; he is powerless Let
him go let him go!" he repeated; and
he paced the room,
Gradually the relief Of Hudsleys
withdrawal broke upon him, and his
step grew lighter.
Yes, let him go, Now | am free
am my own master! master of
wealth mdreamed of! And I'll use It!
BY Heaven, I'll be happy Let him go
meant to get rid Of him-he has
saved me an unpleasant scene. And
now TO work, to work."
He ran rather than walked across the
room. and rang the bell.
Summers opened the door almost
instantly and stood motionless and
silent.
'Has-has that old idiot gomez
asked stephen
Yes, sir" said Summers,
stephen laughed hoarsely
Let tho past 20 with hint" he said,
Summers, go to my room and bring
n roll OF papers from my bureau.
drawer You know what they are!
Plans and estimates. DO YOU know