The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-08-27

fConfinued.l

{Continued3
 hen The said in soft
 hs a man uses in the pres
 dead. He has only been
 ays. Much the same as your
 Ebut he hasn't your strength
 Aey making is terrible strain
 Iconstitution."
 or three days?" queried Father
 x sharply. Why was not
 5Why was I not sent forY''
 "a. Lampirthy did not wish 1t and
 <Eoctor thought 1t would be un- {. besides 1t would have been of }use. He was unconscious most of n time.'
 rze is here in this houss7"
 kes."
 | should like to see him."
 Very well. I will ask Mrs. Lampir- He left the room and Father Fran ycis knew at once that he was an un- welcome visitor. The secretary's tone was barely civil and his manner was 44stfnctly hostile. In a minute or two hs feturned.
 fYes. you can see him." he said in q whisper. "I will take you to the foom. Afterwards Mrs. Lampirthy would like to see you"
 He showed Father Francis to a small bedroom upstairs. The richest man in the world lay upon a cheap iron bedstead. The preacher advanced to the side of the bed, and then turned to Gus Dixon.
 Leave me-" he said sternly. T should like to be alone with him." The secretary left the room and closed the door. Father Francis turned back the sheet and looked at the dead mans face. It seemed small and ehildlike- It was no longer the face of the fighter. of the strong man who had Tained thousands in the battle for wealth.
 He gazed at 1t for a while, and then man had died.
 "Ie lived like a poor man." he said to himself; "he died in this cottage an example to all the world of how a rich man may live and de. He will have his reward"
 And. as he fell upon his knees and prayed, his heart was filled with a great joy and he gave thanks to God Ten minutes later he left the room Gus Dixon met him at the foot of the stairs.
 Mrs. Lampirthy will see you" he said curtly, and he opened the door of small back room.
 Father Francis entered. The widow was seated at bare table. which was covered with black edged paper and envelopes. She did not rise, as he closed the door behind him. and a glance at her hard white face told him that any expression of sympathy on his part would be out of place.
 You wish to speak to me?" he asked gently.
 Yes" she replied. win you please sit down"
 T will not sit down. Mrs L.ampir- thy" he said after a pause. 'but will listen to what you have to say.' T want to tell you something" she said quietly. Tt Is something of great importance to you and your work. I think 1t advisable that you should know at once"
 T will listen," he replied.
 "A few weeks ago my poor dear hus- band made will in which he left more than half his fortune to the Cause ir which he took such an interest. Thi: money was to be invested in thu names of two trustees. of which yol were one. The amount included al the shares in the Paper Combine anC several millions in gilt-edged securi. ties"
 She paused. waiting for a look oi pleasure to come into the mans face but she was disappointed. Father Francis eyed her with a cold look of disapproval.
 That will" she continued softly was never completed or signed. II required a good deal of alteration. The previous one left everything to Sibyl and myself"
 Again she paused. waiting for tn desired effect, but again she was dis appointed. The mans face was like a mask of stone.
 Father Francis made no reply to her statement. Perhaps 1t required nc comment.
 These are the facts of the whole business" said Mrs. Lampirthy, after a pause. "and wish you to understand them. I have taken Mir. Lampirthy's place. and for the future you will havs to look to me for funds"
 Father Francis moved a step for ward. and laid one hand on the table "Why don't you come to the point?' he said in a low voice. Why don't you say straight out that you have no intention of supplying me with any funds at all?"
 "I am so glad you understand" she replied, with a smile. You have spared me the pain of telling you" Father Francis folded his arms and