Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-09-20
DRIVEN TO
WEDLOCK
And Handicapped by an
inheritance
By ADDISON HOWARD GIBSON
Copyright. 1910. by American Press
Association. r>-
By ADDISON HOWARD GIBSON

making up copy for the Chicago Times
when the postman entered and care
lessly tossed him letter. ALI wns
somewhat new to the business and hIs
shabby suit and rusty shoes gave eyf
dence that his checks. 'ffke angels
visits We're few and far between.
Yet In spite of this there was an open,
honest expression on The mans face
that Inspired condolences.
Hc picked up the letter, toro It open
and began reading: FiE S''' -"
Los Angeles. Cal. Juno % 'oi.
Dear NephewlAWhen you read this I
shall DO In my grave. Ny A<tEona mines
my lawyer win inform you that 1 have
made you my heir but on one Condition
that you marry May Grnyson daughter
or the man who gave his life 10 save
mine when the Indians attacked the camp
twelve years a&o.
May Is heart free as yet, and I have
reason 10 believe you are the same.
MY lawyer, II. ID. Goodfriend. will ar
range for you to meet her. Enclosed is a
check for 500. Come 60 California imrf,e-
diateiy. Your uncle, $50
DANIEL T. ROCKWELL
Hang IT. he calculated as he sur
veyed the situation. I'D like 70 know
how IL would seem TO be a rich man,
or course anybody would. But why
didn't he marry some nice woman him
self and have a family OF his own to
leave his money to- That would have
left me out entirely. Butch, plague
take that condition."
Thinking there might be, after all,
some modifying clause In the will
whereby this annoying feature could
be avoided, he arrayed himself In
new suit bought his ticket and left
Chicago by nm early train.
Arrived IN Los Angeles, he immeii-
ntely sought the Office OF r. Is. Good
friend and introduced himself as Al
fred ID. Bennett OF Chicago. nephew
OF the late Daniel Il. Rockwell
Glad TO meet you, Mr.. Bennett. Take
n seat, and we Will talk matters over"
There is one feature OF my uncie's
will that gives me n good deal of nm
noyance," remarked the young man,
seating himself nonr the lawyer.
Which one is that
The one obiigfng me TO marry
girl have never seen 1t is perfectly
ridiculous.'
The lawyer laughed till his fat sides
shook. why, that's the best part OF
the whole willw
The worst part. you mean" said
All desperately. but isn't there any
modifying clause? There surely must
be-" 'f
NO, there is none until you have
tried and failed to WOO and win the
lady OF your uncle's choice"
II don't suppose the young lady likes
the situation any better than do
II don't know that she does. but Niss
Grayson had daughters love FOR your
late uncle ana hunored all his vaga-
rles," returned the lawyer, trying TO
hide his amusement at the young
mans irritation.
Look here Bennett. Come and SIT
down and wen talk business. / admit,
If you please. the singularity OF the
condition. though It gems more unac-
countable to you thnn to me. But you
would like the money your uncle has
left? Now. frankly. wouldn't your
"Of course | would"
That's honest. and respect you for
the admission. Now, listen. You have
never met the girl. Who knows but nh
acquaintance may prove satisfactory to
both? At any rate. you two must meet.
The Will specifies that. Miss Grnyson
Is spending the summer with her aunt.
who owns a large olive orchard about
sixty miles from the city. / am an cid
friend OF the family. Leave it all TO
me and I'll arrange n meeting. You can
then toll whether the condition is on
tlrely obnoxious or not. What do you
say, young MANI
'I'll do MS you advise replied Ar.
who. having cooled OF, was mixing an
effort TO view the affair In n business
light. ut won't do any harm TO sec
the girl"
Three weeks later Bennett took the
morning express out OF the city, bound
for the little station sixty miles dls-
tant Arriving there. he was disap-
pointed TO find no conveyance awaiting
him and was Just starting for the little
hotel. the only one that the place could
boast. when q buggy came rapidly T..
to the station platform and stopped
The agent hurried out 10 meet IT,,
driver. who was slender young g;rl
beautiful as wild rose, with full dntl
eyes and wealth OF hair that seemed
10 reflect the warm sunshine.
did Mr.. Bennett come on the train
10 you know" she inquired in n sweet
elenr voice Mrs. Grayson sent me a.
meet her guest"
II nm Mr.. Bennett" said the tray
eler, stepping forward and lifting BIZ
hat 20 the fair driver.
81 have come 20 drive you 90 Mrs.
.Grayson's," returned the girl.
Thank you" And he sprang in
lightly and seated himself by her side
do you wish me TO take the relnsf"
lie asked
oh no. thank you! Billy objects 10
strangers" she replied.s
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