Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1904-10-31

Hurst, his hands behind his back, his
head bent as usual, and asked for
! Stephen.
Stephen was in the library, and
Summers noiselessly ushered in the
lawyer 1t happened to be what
Stephen would have called one or MS
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. fs.rss -.
Stephen started and put his thin,
white hand across his brow.
Good morning" he said. Good
morning. Any news? Sit down" ~
But Hudsley remained standing.
81 have no news,''s 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.
81 am sure,' said Stephen, smoothly,
"that you do not need any assurance
of my gratitude--'
The old man waved his wrinkled
hand.
I 81 have been the legal adviser of the
Davenant family for the last forty
years." he said, 'and know my duty.
l trust have done it 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-
lpiciously.
"Mr. Hudsley, you surprise me! May
ask your reasons for this abrupt
withdrawals
"My reasons are my own" said
Hudsley, dryly; Il may say that l am
growing old, and that I am disinclined
TO undertake the charge Of so large an
estate
"Oh!' said Stephen, with a sickly
smile. "Such reason is unanswerable.
I But I deeply regret it-deeply. My
uncle always trusted YOU"
| He did nothing of the Sort" inter
rupted Mr.. Hudsley, sternly. "He
! trusted no man"
"At any rate, have placed implicit
and well-merited confidence in you,"
said Stephen.
The old man looked at him and
Stephen trembled.
81 hope l shall find your bill OF
costs among the papers?' he said,
koarsely. G.
NO." said Mr.. Hudsley. What SER
vice l have rendered you l consider as
rendered to the estate. The estate has
paid me sufficiently hitherto / need,
I will receive no other payment.
But urged Stephen.
| Mr.. Hudsley waved his hand.
| 1T am quite resolved, sir. If you
should need any information respecting
any business that has occurred up to
the present, I am at your service; but
for the future l beg to withdraw.
Good-morning." &sI aff
Stephen rose, and held out his hand
cat least, Mr.. Hudsley,' he said,
1--WE part as friends, Notwithstanding
this hasty resolution Of yours"
cit is not hasty, SIR said Hudsley,
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 ac-
cumulated on his brow.
''He suspects me-" he muttered. He
suspects But he suspects only, and
he can do nothing, Or he would have
done it. Yes; he is powerless. Let
him go! let him go!" he repeated; and
he paced the room. a
Gradually the relief of Hudsley's
withdrawal broke upon him, and his
step grew lighter.
Eyes, let him go! Now am free
l am my own master! master of
wealth undreamed of! And I'll use it!
BY Heaven, I'll be happy! Let him go!
I 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
Eyes, SIR said Summers.
Stephen laughed hoarsely.
''Let the past go with him!' he said.
Summers, go to my room and bring
q roll of nanerS from nv bureau