Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-05-11

hard old man, who had so long despised
and rejected me, was now at the very
entrance of
"The steep and dreadful pass Of death
1t was carefully darkened room.
furnished in massive, brass-bound ma
hogany. I saw a white bed, and on II
lay-my grandfather, supported by maiiy
pillows. 1 went quietly to his side. He
seemed to breathe with difficulty, and
his face in the subdued light had
drawn, ashy look. The lawyer from
Black River waited in the recess of q
window, a physician was counting the
patients pulse. At sight Of me, Judg@
Ferrers drew his hand from his medical
attendant.
Heron promised to bring you," he
said in a firm, clear voice. "The lad
never breaks his word. You did well
to lose no time in coming, granddaugh-
ter" At last he called me that! AT
last l was owned-acknowledg He
ron and the doctor lifted him higher on
his pillows. His eyes, still keen and
bright, dwelt upon me with close at
tention. l stopped and kissed his lead
en- hand.
Il see," he said, with an unpleasant
smile, "you are no longer afraid Of the
old man whose day is done. Quite
right. We will not recall family affairs,
girl, nor drivel about the past or the
present, the dead or the living. Every
thing has narrowed now to this one
fact-I am about to die, and 1 have
fortune, the accumulation of genera
tions, to dispose of before 1 CO." He
looked over at the lawyer and the ply
sician. Gentlemen" he said, 'be good
enough to leave the room."
The two went out Immediately. He
ron was about to follow, but Judge Fer
rers cried, sharply, Hold, lad! You
are to remain here" Heron returned
to the bedside. For the last time,
ask you, will you accept the Ferrers
fortune, Francis? You are not over =
rich, and l foresee that you will be
poorer before you are done with the
Blackbirds."
Heron frowned.
mot a penny, sir!" he cried. I'VE
have discussed this subject before-you
know my views concerning it."
Il know you are stubborn beyond be-
lief, Francis. Very well. Since l cam
not move you, my granddaughter shall
have the next chance. She is penhl-
less. you say, and alone in the world"
All that, and more!" muttered He
ron.
She may not know it," said Judge
Ferrers, but for years you have been
her faithful advOcate-by every means
in your power you have tried to entlce
me into acknowledging her. Such de-
termined effort should have its reward
For your sake, will now give her an
opportunity to escape the ills she has
known in life. ! will make a proposal
which, If she has sense enough to ac-
ceDt IL, Will IedNe llel HO ioiiSSi o''''O'
or at the worlds mercy
What could he mean? 1 felt sud-
den thrill of apprehension. Immediate
ly he fixed his formidable eyes on me-
and said:
MY will is to be written at once
granddaughter. Since this foolish boy
refuses TO take advantage of my indif-
ference to you, or profit by my attach
ment to his fathers son, l am ready To
make you my sole heir on one condi-
tiun."
What is that?" faltered.
That you marry Francis Heron be-
fore l die!"
| had received so many shocks since
morning that a fresh one did not mat
| ter; but at these words l turned and
fled toward the door Heron put him
self quickly before me.
stop, Hazel" he said hoarsely. LAS
God hears me, l had no part in this
] scheme-it belongs entirely to youl
grandfather knew nothing Of it TIL
this moment"
l looked him full in the face, and
was forced to believe him in spite OF
! myself. He removed my hand from