The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1905-01-25


along a country road of southwestern
Ohio. Now and again, as reached the
brow of hill saw the Ohio river.
which had flooded it's banks, for we
had heavy rains of late They, to-
gether with the melted snow, had
made the gentle river a wild and
dangerous stream.
would gladly have fingered to
watch the rushing current, carrying
timber, parts of wrecked houses, and
many other indications Of its destruc-
tive power; but had come to the
Buckeye state for another purpose, and
was anxious to reach my destination
an hour or two before dark.
/ intended to visit friend, Fred
Andersen, whose acquaintance l had
made in the East He was a fine
specimen of western youth and very
soon we felt drawn to each other, mu-
tual confidence cementing our friend
ship. He often told me of the old
homestead on the Ohio, his mother,
long dead, and the queer notions of
his father. Old Mr.. Andersen once
had lost lawsuit through the trick
sry of an attorney, and since that time
condemned all lawyers.
Fred had an elder brother, Henry, a
scapegrace, who had grieved his father
q great deal Once, when the fathers
patience gave out, he handed Henry
several thousand dollars, and told him
never again to show his face in the
old home. The son took the money,
roamed through the world, and came
back penniless but proud, even boast
ing of the wild life he had led and
the sinful way in which he had wasted
his money. Then the father bought
him small farm, not far from the
homestead, and gave him to under
stand that he would be disinherited,
having received his share. The sons
eyes shone with an evil light, when
thus informed but he dared not rebuke
his stern father.
Now, however, there was a different
state of affairs. A few weeks ago
Fred had sent me letter, stating that
he wished very much to have me come
and see him.
"You know" he wrote, your pres
knce helps me. If l ever needed a
1riend, it is now; so come on and
feady me in my troubles"
| was busy man, and spring was
Aot my vacation season, but neverthe-
kss l could not resist F'red's pleading.
had not notified him of my coming,
intending a surprise, which pleasure
had to be paid for by walking the few
miles from the station to his house.
For while enjoyed the walk. The
air was bracing, and the scenery of
the river and the Kentucky hills be-
yond, was charming But after while
/ began to feel tired, and wondered
whether Fred's house was still far Off.
| came to a neglected-looking farm
house, and determined to inquire for
the Andersen place. When, after
knocking, the door opened, | cried out,
why, Fred, there you are!" But in a
moment / saw that | was mistaken.
The man in the door certainly looked
like Fred, but his face had something
repulsive, especially as he glared at
me when | mentioned Fred's name.
"Oh, guess you mean my good
brother, papa's boy" the stranger
meered. HE lives in papa's house
over there"
As he indicated the direction, l
looked and saw the homestead about
half mile off. When l turned back
to thank the man, the door was shut.
1t was Henry Andersen, then, whom
{ had Unexpectedly met. He was not
alone in the house, for on the wall
opposite the door had seen looking
glass, and reflected in it face with
grizzled beard and spectacles. l had
seen, also, that the owner of that face
tried to keep out Of my sight, but evil
IDENTIFY was not conscious of the mirror.
Not long afterward, reached Fred's
home, and was cordially welcomed.
After the preliminaries / remarked
about the high" river.
"Yes," he answered, "it's dangerous
II 1t weren't for the levee, the down
town district of the city would be
flooded. AS it is, the high water has
stopped up the sewer-outlets, so that
the cellars are being flooded. The
newspapers, too, are giving warning.
But, then, people living along the Ohio
are quite used to these floods"
While he spoke, watched him close
ay and saw worried look on his face.
els anything troubling you, Fred?"
1 asked.
Eyes, there is" he answered, "and
] might as well tell you what it is.
You know father always steered clear
pf lawyers and courts, ever since that
one lawyer got the best of him. Well,
he made a villa crude affair-but
never had it recorded. | read it the
day he died. 1t made me heir of every
thing. That will has been missing for
the last two days, and l think some
body has stolen it. Unless / recover
It. | am afraid my brother will give
me a great deal of trouble. He will
DO it, any way, but the will was made
10 head off all such attempts. Now
what shall / do? ! have nothing to
s,v-rsua INV heirShin blIt a letter which