The Green Forest tribune., 1907-04-26

l
 shamefacedly just what part ol tne l expenses of these establishments It
 vas likely that Mr Felix Arncastie could conveniently bear For 1t was gradually dawning upon him that lii- stead of being very rich man, hls benefactor was an extremely poor one.
 Something like 150 years ago 9 branch of the Arncastle family went out to America. Contrary ito the usual rule, the American branch died out, and to Felix Arncastle came in due course that forlornest of forlorn hopes, one of the French spoliation claims. The history of these claims is a rather un- happy chapter in American records. The French, exercising the right of search over which there was so much controversy in those days inflicted great losses upon American merchant men, among them, upon the brig Eleanor sailing under the command of her owner, Captain Thomas Arn- castle Later the United States was in a position to exact reparation from the French government for the injur- ies done to American citizens. And large sum of money in satisfaction of all claims was actually paid from Paris into the treasury at Washington. There it unfortunately remains, and neither entreaties nor threats have availed with congress to induce the l government to disgorge It's ill-gotten 1 gains. The affair is now so old that almost no one takes it seriously. And what do you do to prosecute i the claim?" asked it's prospective in- } heritor.
 q write to America, to the presi- l dent, to the secretary of the treasury, and to some of the senators. And often try to see your ambassador here. But it's long time since I have man. aged to see anyone except secretary five years, I think. Then other pee pie have tried to help me, but they have never done any good, and they have cost me a good deal.
 T had more once than 1 have now. /! My son took most of my money when he went out to Australia. He was to invest it. And while he was alive, he sent me 50 pounds a quarter. Then when he died-he was killed by a | horse-it seemed that he had invested | it badly, or hadn't invested it at all, | I could never quite make out. At any rate it was gone, and besides, was alone. That is why I thought of an heir when l read your advertise ment. What do you think of the i plan2'
 It is almost unnecessary to say that Charles Edward accepted with alac- rity, even though his inheritance i seemed to consist merely of responsi- bilities and the 20 pounds he would win from Paul Cary.
 MT. Arncastle then held out his hand 1 to Charles Edward. There was a golden sovereign in it.
 "The payment on account" he said with an apologetic smile trembling on | his mouth. T hope it is enough for i the moment. I must arrange some | thing more at once.''
 Charles Edward took the coin silent | ly. It is the same sovereign which now hangs on his watch chain.
 The following morning the heir and 1 his wife came up to town and Charles 1 Edward had a consultation with the law firm of Henderson and Tender son, who have so extensive an AmeIl- i can connection. He was scarcely sur prised to find that they considered the 1 payment of the French spoilation claims among the three or four most remote possibilities in the world. | Upon learning this he drove direct to the corner of the very street in which MT. Arncastle lodged
 Keeping the sketch of his mornings movements in mind, it is little diff cult to see how he had found time to do some of the things of which he told his benefactor For MT. Arn- castle was led to understand that a talk with the American ambassador disclosed the fact that there was a growing feeling in Washington that something ought to be done about these long neglected claims. More than this, it appeared that the bank of London and New York had such confidence that something was sure to happen that it was willing to advance Mr Arncastle 50 pounds quarter upon the security of his claim, pay ment to continue until the bill passed congress, at which time the money was to be repaid with interest at ten 1 per cent.
 My dear boy, this is wonderful" | burst from MT. Arncastle
 Its jolly good business for them" ]" was the reply. Ten per cent is big interest"
 T could never have arranged it."
 That is why you needed an he;r. " , MT. Arncastle gets his 50 pounds q quarter regularly. The French spoil, ation claims bill is still unaccountablv delayed in Washington, although his heir writes him often from America and it is always ito report progress 5 Was More Honorable. 1 The late Ge0rpo NJ C1orl- oe t,,l