Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1906-09-20

oIIihlHS the parchment. i ought
not to keep it from her one hour, one
minute! 1t is my duty to go to her
and say, See what / have found
1t may prove genuine and valid, or II
may not; but | have found it, and now
What will you do?" That is what
ought to do. I know my duty, and Il
/ depart from it, it is for your sake
Philip Dyce and hers. She was to
have been your wife"
She was"
She must still be-" said the old
man, passionately; otherwise, if this
be genuine, she returns to the poverty
in which / found her, Mark that!
This document makes no provision
for her, and she IL in addition liable
for all she has spent since she took
possession of the Abbey. What a posi-
ton for proud soul like Leola's!"
Philip Dyce paced the floor.
This must be kept secret until to-
morrow" he said
Twenty-four hours will keep It
secret said the old man-"so long,
and no longer"
Within that time,' said Philip
Dyce, Il must make my peace with
her. love her with all my heart
and soul, and If this should prove
true. would gladly and joyfully ex-
change it for her love. Within twenty
four hours. But tell me-what is your
opinion respecting this deed?"
Mr.. Ford looked at him shrewdly.
Il am Miss Dale's lawyer, Mr.. Dyce.
| am not likely to express any opin-
| ion."
You will not let me see it?"
Mr.. Ford hesitated, then he opened
and spread out the parchment.
Yes" he answered, Il see no OBJ
lection to that, under the peculiar
circumstances"
1T was written on parchment" said
Philip Dyce, examining the deed with
| well-feigned curiosity.
"on parchment yes. Sir Godfrey
always had some by him"
1T is written in his handwriting"
said Philip Dyce, musingly.
Yes said Mr.. Ford, "and is very
short 1t leaves the Abbey and all
1t possesses to you"
And the witnesses--who are they p"
asked Philip Dyce.
Mr.. Ford put his hand upon the
deed. to prevent Philip Dyce turning
it over.
"Stopi" he said: II see way of
testing this. Is the man Slime still on
the premises?"
| Il believe So" said Philip Dyce.
He has notice to leave, but he is still
here at the stewards cottage. He is
not very reliable witness-the man
drinks"
Il know said Mr.. Ford, walking
to the bell, and ringing it. but the
testimony is worth something"
Send for Mr.. Slime and let him
know that wish to see him int
mediately," he said to the servant
who answered the bell.
Il am very much upset." said Philip
Dyce; Il will step outside and have a
cigar"
Mr.. Ford inclined his head, and
drawing a chair to the table, pored
over the parchment.
Half an hour elapsed, Philip Dyce
strolling up and down on the balcony
smoking, the old lawyer leaning his
head on his hand lost in thought.
A servant brought lights, and few
minutes afterward announced the ar
rival of Mr.. Slime.
The door opened, and in slouched
Slime.
He was sober, for a wonder. but
he looked a deplorable object as he
came into the handsome room, with
downcsst eyes and sinking gait.
Take him into the library" said
Mr.. Ford, with palpable disgust, and
he followed, reckoning to Philip.
When they were all three in the
library. Mr.. Ford locked the door.
Then he turned to Slime, who stocd
lingering his hat and looking askance
| from one to the other and said:
Il want to ask you a few simple
questions. You remember Sir God
| frey?"
Il remember him." said Slime, with
a sharp but evasive glance at the
white, stern face of Philip Dyce.
"Of course You do" said Mr.. Ford.
DO you remember Mr. Williams, the
coachman?"
Il remember Wflilams-he died. :.
answered Slime.
Yes: he died." repeated Mr.. Ford.
thoughtfully, and glancing at the
parchment that lay spread out before
him.
"You often saw Sir Godfrey in this
room, Sline?'
Often"
DO you remember seeing him in
this room with Williams the coach.
MANI"
Slime looked askant.
No" he said: then, as II sud
denly recollecting. he added. "and
yes | do! Yes. do recollect see
ing him here, Mr. Ford. Sir Godfrey