The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1908-06-06


him the next day under tree by the
side of the creek where he had often
sat reading his books, That even |
ing the lieutenant said.
Well boys he's gone now let us re-
Spect his Wishes" and going to the |
bookcase he pulled it aside and saw |
a door leading into what seemed the
side of the cliff. He pulled it open
and their saw a small cavity cut
in the rock. On the floor was a
leather sack securely tied, Cutting
the strings he discovered a packet
of papers and saw some gold dust and
small nuggets. Lifting the sack the
lieutenant said.
This is the gold that he intended
for you and l should judge there is
abut two thousand dollars worth,
Nv let us look at the will. Yes,
he continued after reading it. Its
made out all right; he wills his mine
to his wife and two children If they
can be found, If not, the mine goes
| to found a home for old men. 1t is
signed, Edward Stedman. What's
the matter" he exclaimed, for both
boys were gazing at him in amaze
ment.
why Stedman is my name and Ed
ward was the name of my father"
said Frank,
What's this l hear? Where are
your folks now? Tell ME apout your
self, cried the lieutenant.
i don't remember anything my
self so / can only tell you what
mother has told me. About fifteen
years ago, father went to Denver
and began to work in the mines,
he had been i'll short time before
and was a trifle unbalanced. A few
weeks later there was an explosion
in the mine and several men were kill
father was one of these men. Squire
Newell, fathers old rival, brought her
the news, strangely enough he had
been in Denver at the time of the ex,
plosion, and brought back fathers
trunk, and little money which he
had earned. Stricken with grief
poor mother was forced to take IL
sewing to support the family, She
had hard time of it until sister anC
were old enough to help her, afteI
that 1t was easier. In addition t
her trouble Squire Newell be
gan to annoy her with hi
attentions and finally asked he
to marry him. Mother indignantl
A refused and ordered him out of tn
q house. He departed swearing h
would make her repent her words
Since then he has done everything |
his power to humiliate and impovei
ish us. He purchased the mortgage o
? our home and has used it as mean
to satisfy his spite insisting on pa!
ment of the interest the day 1t fall
. due. That mortgage falls due in
short time and. it was to earn none
> to pay 1t that 1 came west, and no
look at the other papers, l think
understand the whole thing" sal
: Frank.
They found the old letter whiC
had driven the old man to seclusio
sealed envelope containing the cha
of the mine, and few letters TIL
the old man had received from h
wife years ago, in which mention WI
made of the two children Blanche al
. Frank.
This proves beyond doubt
the lieutenant started to say, 9Th
the old hermit was"
my father" sobbed Frank.
" "And then Newell was the fie
- that wrecked your home" said JAG
- "Well, well, this is indeed S
:. affair."" said the lieutenant, but l 9
glad that the mystery is now cleare
and that you will get the mine, y
certainly deserved 1t after what y
have passed thru. And now w
80 two hurry back east as soon as y
:. can and I'll return to the fort WI
the prisoners and see that this will
executed.
The mortgage was one day ov
ey due when the boys reacehd hor
m Full of apprehension, Frank stepI
IT off of the train and ran for
mothers cottage, closely followed
,ie Jack. Approaching the door II
he heard loud talking and paused. tt
Did recognized the voice of Squire Ne
3D. and heard him say:
he AHA, Mrs. Steadman, my time
nix come. Do you remember the {
YER you ordered me out of this house