Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-02-13
CHAPTER LII.

Over Joshua, Mr.. Drummond had less
control than over his wife. The latter
gave way meekly to his unreasonable re-
questions; but Joshua did not hesitate to
make opposition, being as selfish and self
willed as his father, for whom he enter
tanned neither respect nor affection.
la silence he helped himself to bread
and butter, and in due time accepted a
piece of pie, which Mrs. Drummond made
larger at the expense of her own share.
Finally Mr. Drummond remarked
I've had a telegram to-day from Will
loughby'
From Willoughby?" repeated his wife.
Isn't that where your cousin, William
Conrad, lives?"
He doesn't live there any longer. He's
dead. The funeral is to be day after to-
morrow
Shall you go?"
Eyes. 1t will cost me considerable; as
much as five dollars or more but he was
my cousin, and it is my duty to go" said
Mr.. Drummond, with the air of a man
who was making great sacrifice.
HE was rich, wasn't he?" asked
Joshua, becoming Interested
Probably worth a hundred thousand
dollars" said his father, complacently.
Il should think he might have left me
something" said Joshua.
HE never saw you, Joshua" said his
mother.
Joshua stands a better chance of get
ting a legacy from one who doesn't know
him than from one who does" said Mr..
Drummond, with grim pleasantly.
IL; H.
lone child-a boy. Let me see. he must
be fifteen by this time. It's likely l viii
be appointed his guardian. I'm the near
est relative"
"Wnl he come here, them" asked
Joshua.
Very probably"
Then l hope you'll live better, or he
won't stand it."
when l require any advice from Sou.
Joshua, | will apply for it," said his
father.
Joshua inwardly hoped that his father
would be appointed guardian, for he hop
ed that in this event it would make a diff
ference in the family living; and, besides
if his cousin were rich. he meant to whee-
die himself into his confidence, in the hope
OF future advantage.
Jacob put off going to Wilousaby till
the morning train on the day of the flu
neral. The next day, therefore, he start
ed, taking with him in his valise a lunch
of bread and meat tied up in piece of
brown paper. Shortly after his arrival,
he called at the house of mourning.
Il am Jacob Drummond of Stapleton,
the cousin of the deceased" he explained
to Nancy, who opened the door to admit
him lis my young relative, Mr.. Con
RAIDS son. at homer
Yes, sir" said Nancy, taking an in
yentory of his features, and deciding that
he was a very disagreeable looking man
Mr.. Drummond was ushered into the
parlor, where he had q little chance to
look around him before Walter appeared
Mr.. Drummond rose at his entrance.
II suppose you don't know me-" he
said; but | was your fathers nearest
living relation"
Mr.. Drummond, l believe"
Eyes. Jacob Drummond of Stapleton
You have probably heard your father
speak of me?''
Yes, sir" said Walter.
Il came as soon as l could after get.
ting the telegram. l left my business te
take care of itself. l wanted to offer you
my sympathy on your sad loss
Mr.. Drummond's words were kind
though the reference to his sacrifice in
leaving his business might have been as
we'll left out. Still Walter could not fee
as grateful as he wanted to do. Somehow
he didn't fancy Mr.. Drummond.
you are very kind" he said.
Il mean to be- You know I'm your
nearest relation now. truly feel for yor
in your desolate condition, and though il
may not be the right time to say it.
must tell you l hope, when the funeral i:
over, you will accompany me home ant
share our humble hospitality. Mrs. Drum
mond joins me in the invitation
Il have not had time TO think of futur,
arrangements" said Walter; but thanl
you for your invitation
"Mv son Joshua, too" said Mr. Drum
mond, lis longing to make your acquaint
ance He is older than you, but not muci
larger Joshua is eighteen. but he vii
make very pleasant companion for You
Let me hope that you will accept my in
vitation."
THANK you, Mr.. Drummond: l vii
consult my friends about it,
4 wonder how much / could ventur,
to ask for board" thought Mr.. Drum
mond. IF l am his guardian l can fl,
that to suit myself. \ hundred thousant
dollars would make me rich man. Tha
is, | could N axe money from it withou
injuring the boy"
Mr. Drummond asked few more ques
tons about Mr.. Conrad's sickness AM
death. Walter answered them but die
not think it necessary to speak of hi
losses by the mining company, Mr.. Drum
mond was q stranger, and not a man t
inspire confidence. So Walter told as lit
tie as he could. At length the visitor
having exhausted inquiries, rose.