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

1
| know he would not stop until he'd
have the lions share, and it would be
painful, then, to see him squander the
fortune father built up through years
| of close economy"
"Tll tell you, Fred" l said, after a
long pause, you want legal advice.
| Don't you know of a good lawyer?
You certainly do not share the preju-
| dice of your father?"
"Oh, no." he answered. "In fact,
one of the best lawyers of the city is
| a friend of mine, and | have made up
| my mind to see him tomorrow. You
| will, of course, go with me. And while
we are waiting for your luncheon, you
might as Well read the letter"
He handed me an old letter, and /
| read it carefully. OF course it was but
fatherly communication and nothing
| like legal document, but it certainly
could be used to advantage in a suit.
| was just about to comment on it,
when the servant announced that the
meal was ready. Immediately Fred
arose, and, throwing the letter careless
ly on the desk, said,-
Come, now; you must be hungry
after that walk"
While maturing our plans during
the meal. thought heard noise in
the library, the room in which the
desk stood. | remarked oNo''t 1t, but
F'red's mind was so occupied with the
lost will that he had not heard it.
Guess the servant is in there
Strengthening things up a Bit" he
said. I'VE don't get much company
it makes him nervous"
After had satisfied my hunger Fred
asked me if | would like to look about
THE homestead. | told him | was a
little tired, and would rather sit and
chat in the library. He assented and
led the way. He must have been
thinking of his letter as he entered,
for he walked right up to the desk.
Then | heard him utter cry. l
looked and saw his hand nervously
fumbling through the papers.
Anything missing?" l asked.
Yes, the letter"
May be the servant mislaid it while
he was dusting."
The servant, an old darkey and former
slave, was called. He denied having
touched the papers.
did you see anybody in this room,
after we left it?" Fred asked.
mo, massa."
well, did you see anybody about
the house?"
mo stranger, massa, Jes' Massa
Henry wild his gun out a-huntin'."
my brother?" Fred quickly asked
WAS he near the house?"
"Yes, Massa Henry was a-chasin'
rabbit. He jes' done show me de rab-
bit runnin' down de hill. He say he
no mo- shoot today. Massa Henry
mighty good to mej give me a big
coon he shot"
when did you see my brother near
the house?'
Bout fifteen minutes go. l jes
give de old woman de coon-fine, fat
coon, she says-an' den come here"
We'll, you can go, Ezra"
Turning to me, Fred asked me if
thought his brother had stolen the
letter.
1T looks that way" 4 answered,
especially as it would be of great
value to him."
Don't you think l ought to ride
over to his house at once, and"
;f,ly hat will do
good"
Nevertheless, III ride over"
He ordered a horse saddled.' When
the darkey came in to say it was ready,
he added
"Massa Henry got a fine hoss."
How do you know?" Fred inquired.
HE jes done ride down he road
fine, black hoss."
We looked at each other in surprise,
but for a while neither said a word.
Fred evidently did not know what to
advise.
Fred told Ezra that he would not
use the horse. After the surprised ne
gro had gone, my friend walked to the
window, and stood there, lost in
thought. | joined him. Before us was
a grand scene. The sun was setting,
and lent its colors to the rushing
river. and the fields were waiting for
the magic wand of spring. A caravan
of farm wagons passed the house on
their way to town, for tomorrow would
be market-day.
Suddenly | saw something which
made me grasp Fred's arm.
do you see that man in the buggy
over there, Fred?"
"The man with the gray beard and
the large spectacles, in the yellow
buggy?"
Eyes. Have a horse hitched to a
carriage at once. I believe that man
knows something about your letter. |
saw him in your brothers house, on
my way here, and his behavior was
suspicious"
Fred was going to ask questions, but
| urged him to hasten, and promised
to tell him more while following the
stranger.
In ten minutes we were on the road.