The Huttig news., 1910-02-26
CINDERELLA'S ]
 REWARD
By DEARBORN WALTERS.
2G2E2H2Ss2S223


 taskmistresses were all out at some function. and Elpie was quite alone and idle for once in her poor little life
 What castles, fair and grand. did the big, brown eyes see in those glow ing embers? Who can say? "The thoughts of youth are long long thoughts, and much as her task-mis- tresses might try to crush the youth and romance out of Elpie. they could not quite succeed. But presently the big eyes grew smaller Elpies little brown head began to nod, and she fell sound asleep
 What wakened her? Elpie did not know; but suddenly with a great siart and shiver. she started up to find the fire burning very low and the room all most in complete darkness. She sat quite still. her heart throbbing so vio- iently she was quite sure some one in the room must hear it. And there was some one in the room. dark figure was moving in the opposite corner to her
 Wild thoughts of burglars and mid night assassins rushed through Elpie's mind; but she was a brave little crea- ture, and she did not scream The servants were downstairs, i'll the kitch- en, and she was the only living being in the house besides.
 It came into her mind that she must stealthily reach forward to the bell and rino. hut incl ac Sho .,oc ,,oax;,ey he figure turned. de advanced swift ly toward her, and, though Elpie tried 10 speak out bravely and ask him what he wanted, she could not; her tongue seemed to cleaye to the roof of her mouth.
 "Hush'' said the man, and his voice sounded pleasant and friendly. Don't scream, please. I'm not a burglar, though my mode of entrance may seem like that Of one. The truth is, I-I came through a window down stairs and made my way up here."
 Elpie could see him indistinctly He was young man. we'll dressed, and the face looking down at her was frank and friendly
 First. tell me who you are? You can't be one of my
 I'm Elpie-that is. am Elspeth Grey. Mir Kemp was my mothers cousin, and he took ne to live with him when my father died and since MT. Kemp died I have stayed with Mrs Kemp and her daughters and helped them.
 
 "Oh. with dresses, and-and other things" faltered Elpie. frightened by the fereeness of his tone.
 Well, they are all out tonight, aren't they? And the servants are en- toying themselves down stairs, so we needn't be frightened. I am going to tell you tremendous secret, little one. But first. tell me, are those peo- pie kind to you? Do they treat you as one of themselves? Do they give you plenty of nice food, pretty cloth ing, amusements?
 .Julianna--Josephin isis nice sometimes" faltered Elpie She was loyal little soul, and anxious to hide the faults of her relatives
 And Matilda-Jane, and the rest of this well-princi ipled household?" askil the young man. satirically.
 T can't tell you any more," cried Elpie, driven to bay, till know who you are
 That's easily told, little one. am MT. Kemp's nephew, therefore kind of cousin of yours" Elpie started and turned pale. My name is Norman Kemp. My father founded Uncle Johns business, and helped him to buy this house on condition that it should be left to me. When my uncle died these infamous women stepped in and took everything; and yet know Uncle John left will in my favor. have been away; that is why. I have not come forward sooner. But Woods, the lawyer, drew up the will, and l have reason to suspect it is hidden somewhere in this house. I shall not leave here till have found it. Now, are you going to show me the way to my uncle's library?"
 Elpie indicated it in fear and trem- bling and returned to her seat. In about quarter of an hour Norman Kemp re-entered flushed and excited.
 q have found it. There's nothing like determination, little cousin. Con- cealed-where do you think? In the flap of the cover of the old family Bible. Of course, Mrs. Kemp will say she knew nothing of it." He began to read it, then uttered an exclamation. And here's mention of you, little one. And whereas, I have undertaken to provide for my cousins child, Elspeth Grey, I do hereby bequeath to the said Elsreth Grey the sum of s10,000. to be kept in trust by my wife until the aforesaid Elspeth shall reach the age of 1S.' How old are you Elpie?"
 T was IS in July" faltered Elpie.
 Then you can claim your rights at once. I shall see after your claims as we'll as my own. Now am going, lit. tie cousin, straight to the lawyers Good by, Elpie.''
 Elpie's heart thrilled strangely as her companions black eyes looke.I into her face. He took her hand. then