Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1908-02-28
CHAPTER ".

The funeral was over. Mr.. Drummond,
as indeed his relationship permitted, was
one of the principal mourners. Consider
ing that he had not seen Mr.. Conrad for
five years preceding his death, nor during
that time communicated with him In any
way, he appeared to be very much over
come by grief. He kept his eyes covered
with a large white handkerchief, and his
movements indicated suppressed agitation.
He felt that this was a tribute due to
cousin who had left over one hundred
thousand dollars. When they had return
ed from the grave he managed to have
word with Walter.
"Have you decided to accept my offer,
and make your home beneath my humble
roof % he asked.
''There has been no time to consult with
nv friends here, Mr.. Drummond. | will
let you know next week. | thank you at
any rate for your kindness"
DO come, Walter" said his cousin,
twisting his mean features into an affec-
tionate smile. with you beneath my
humble roof shall want nothing to COM
plete my happiness"
Jacob Drummond went back to Staple
ton ignorant of the state of Mr. Conrads
affairs and regarding Walter as boy OF
great wealth.
When the will was opened it was found
TO bear date two years back, before Mr..
Conrad had plunged into the speculation
which had proved so disastrous to him.
He beQueathed all the property which he
did possess to Walter, with the exception
of FIVE hundred dollars, which were left
as legacy to his faithful housekeeper,
Nancy Forbes. At the time the Will was
made. it's provisions made Walter heir to
large fortune Now it was quite uncer-
tain how things would turn out. Clement
Shaw. the village lawyer, an honest and
rnright man. was made executor beng an
old and tried friend of the deceased.
With his Walter had a long and conf
Dental conversation, imparting to him
what he knew of his fathers mining spec
ulation and it's disastrous result, with Its
nrobable effect in accelerating his death
II knew something of this before, Wal
fer" said Mr.. Shaw. Your father spoke
to me of being largely interested IN the
Graot METROPOLITAN Mining Company;
but of the company itself and the extent
=, which he was involved | knew MOTH
ing"
II think my father must have oeen
very seriously involved" said Waiter. II
NAV. perhaps, swallow up the whole prop
erty. ,,-
LET us hope not. Indeed, can hardly
believe that your father would nave ven
tured in so deep as that
ale had every confidence in the com
many; he thought he was going to douple
his money. If only a part of his properly
vos threatened. l don't think it would
hove had such an effect upon him.
81 will thoroughly examine into the al
fair" said Mr.. Shaw. Meanwhile wal
for hone for the best! 1t can hardly De
that the whole property is lost. DO not
be too anxious"
no not fear for me on that account
so;d Walter. Il always looked forward
- being rich. it is true, but for all that
~, hear noverty. If the worst comes
and am penniless, l am strong ana can
work | can get along as well as rhou-
ssnds Of other boys, who have 10 support
themselves. ILL, ~ .,v
walter did not speak boasttuily by any
ne b,,t in a calm. confident way that
aro,,ad = consciousness of power
YES" said the lawyer, resafolns I'ni
o++ontivelv, II think you are right tnefe,
Won are lust the boy who can MAKE i,ls 10
own way; but l hope you viii not DC
Obliged to do so.