Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1908-10-10
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
ivs 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 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.
'1There has been no time to consult with
my friends. here, Mr.. Drummond. l 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-
tionste 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 a 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 its provisions made Walter heir to
a 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
II 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 extern
10 which he was involved l knew moth
ing"
i tnlnk my ldtueT must DdNe Drci
very seriously involved" said Walter. 81
may, perhaps, swallow up the whole prop
erty."
/ LET us hope not. Indeed, l can hardl,
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 doubl
his money. If only part of his propert
q was threatened. l don't think it woul
q have had such an effect upon him"
81 will thoroughly examine into the al
fair" said Mr.. Shaw Meanwhile, Wal
o ter, hope for the best 1t can hardly
/ that the whole property is lost. Do no
be too anxious"
do not fear for me on that account,
!. said Walter. II always looked forwar
r to being rich, it is true, but for all that
can bear poverty. IL the worst come:
and l am penniless, l am strong, and ca
Z work. l can get along as well as thor
o sands of other boys, who have to supper
N themselves"
Walter did not speak boastfully by an
l. means, but in calm. confident way, ths
n argued a consciousness Of power.
IS Yes" said the lawyer, regarding hi
81 attentively. Il think you are right Their
" You are just the boy who can make h
own way; but l hope you will not
obliged to do So"