Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1908-10-16
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
my friends here, Mr.. Drummond. I 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-
tomato 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.. Conrad's
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 Eve hundred dollars, which were left
as a legacy to his faithful housekeeper,
Nancy Forbes. At the time the will was
made it's provisions made Walter heir to
q large fortune. Now 1t was quite uncer-
tain how things would turn out. Clement
Shaw, the village lawyer, an honest and
upright man, was made executor, being an
old and tried friend Of the deceased.
With his Walter had long and conf
Dental conversation, imparting to him
what he knew of his fathers mining spec
ulation and its disastrous result, with its
probable effect In accelerating his death.
"I knew something Of this before, Wal
ter" said Mr.. Shaw. Your father spoke
to me of being largely interested in the
Great Metropolitan Mining Company (;
but of the company itself and the extent
to which he was involved l knew moth
ing"
IT think my father must have been
very seriously involved" said Walter. at
may, perhaps, swallow up the whole prop
erty."
LET us hope not. Indeed, can hardly
believe that your father would have ven
tured in so deep as that.>
HE had every confidence in the com
pany he thought he was going to double
his money. If only part of his property
was threatened, l don't think it would
have had such an effect upon him."
az will thoroughly examine into the af
fair" said Mr.. Shaw. Meanwhile, Wal
ter, hope for the best! 1t can hardly b.
that the whole property is lost. Do no
be too anxious"
do not fear for me on that account,
said Walter. 81 always looked forwar,
to being rich, 1t is true, but for all that
can bear poverty. If the worst comes
and am penniless am strong, and ca
work. can get along as well as thou
sands of other boys, who have to supper
themselves"
Walter did not speak boastfully by an
means, but in calm, confident way, tina
, argued a consciousness of power.
: "Yes," said the lawyer, regarding hiI
| attentively, II think you are right ther'
? You are just the boy who can make hi
own way; but I hope you will not b
| obliged to do So"