The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-05-31

Z Phil, looking nrst at one and then at
/ the other, a vague wonder on his face
| mot at all" answered John Stevens
/ quickly, looking up at his stalwart
nephew with a keen pride that was alb
| sent when he surveyed the other. In
fact ( was just thinking Of calling you.
/ We we're talking about you just now.
| What's the matter, Bob?' Phi
answered cheerily, going ever 10 sla
| his cousin on the shoulder
Bob threw off his hand, contracted
| his narrow shoulders and drew his eye
| brows down in sullen manner.
Got the mulligrubs again, PM
winked to his uncle, and was sun prlsed
that the grimace was greeted by - ser1-
Gus frown.
"Sit down. -equested John Stevens,
abruptly; and Phil did as he was told,
wondering what sudden change had
come over the affairs OF their little
family
'sPhii," began the guardian slowly,
''have YOU ever heard that l had set
aside a certain sum OF money TO be
paid to the first one of you boys Jnat
married a girl of whom I approved? p
why. no. 1 never heard word OF
it." answered the other frankly, his
voice showing that he was interested
in the news.
John Stevens shot a keen glance at
Bob who did not look up;
did YOU hear that, BOb?' he asked,
yes, sir, but he lies. I know he's
heard of II and that's why
That WhN-WHaIE demanded Inl
abruptly, at a loss TO understand the
situation.
That's why you are trying to marry
Alice Arlington. You know that Uncle
Jack approves of her and you want
| to get the money he has put aside for
that purpose"
'Tt's the first time 1 ever heard of
the money" answered the other
There was silence for some minutes;
then their uncle looked up and began
to address them both IN a slow, meas
IT believe Phil; but I do not care
for any scheming, and I do not care
J TO show any Partially III tell you
boys the facts. I have put aside $4,000
for the first one Of you that marries
a girl Of my choice. Further, I want to
tell you that I am far from being a
young man and that have made a
will
Bob tried to conceal his interest, but
unconsciously he moved forward to the
edge of his chair and listened intently
Phil, on the other hand, leaned back
and listened to his uncle as though it
were but Urinary conversation
In that will" continued the latter,
81 tried to be just. I had 1t drawn up
three years ago when you both came
to live with me. had ii made so that
each of you would have an equal share;
at that time / reserved the $4,000 for
| the one who should be first to marry an
Old-fashioned girl. II has been a pet
hobby Of mine. I never knew but one
Blrl OF the type OF Alice ATluSLOfl--
| He broke or into a reVerie.
Who was that, Uncle Jack?' asked
! Phil softly.
John Stevens passed weak hand over
his forehead, appeared TO brush away
| the thought, and replied:
Well, she's gone nOw-f / knew her
when ! was a boy Perhap s--perhaps
wouldn't have been the crusty old bach
elOr I am If she-but, never mind, boys,
We must get back TO the original theme.
I say that / have my last will now in
which you boys share equally, with the
( exception of the $4,000. Now that a
quarrel has arisen about this, and the
secret IS out, I'm going to take new
course"
Both Of the young men were silent.
Phil sat looking with interest at his
uncle, hardly understanding this unex-
pected crisis, and Bob maintained his
sullen pose
I'm going to destroy that will next
| time I 60 10 town and I'm not going TO
make a new one until-well, the new
one is going to be more just"
Bob started in his chair. He under
stood perfectly what his uncle meant
| by that
Evidently he was TO be cut out of the
will because Uncle Jack was partial to
Phil. His teeth ground together and he
felt a thrill Of anger against this older
cousin Of his who always had got the
better Of him.
He could see how the will would read
| II it were changed Where would he
come in2 Phil already had the better
chance with Miss Arlington. He would
marry her and get the $4,000 and then
| the viii would be changed and Uncle
Jack would leave everything to Phil.
| Remember" John Stevens warned
! them, Il win change that viii within
a day or two If you boys don't play on
| the square with each other one Of YOU
will suffer for it"
II didn't know we hadn't been on the
| square with each other" Phil put in Gu
riously. ''I don't understand what this
/ is all about"