Hopkinsville Kentuckian., 1918-01-15
THE MISSING WILL
5y MARIE hammond.


I ever, were 600 eager to welcome thoi
visitor to think Of anything outside o
kindly attentions. Boyd helped hi
wife's uncle remove his overcoat. Will
Nettle placed his tall SILK hat and can
upon the hat rack.
Yes. sir" resumed Uncle William
Cass, as they led him into the brigh
aud cozy sitting room and he snifre,
the evening meal appctizingly. Il Jus
went TO Mr.. Byrd. my lawyer, and had
the matter settled once for ALL"
Ever since they were married. every
Tuesday evening Mr.. Cass had come Ia
visit his dead wifc's niece and her
husband. He would take supper with
them aud usuully stay all night. Boyd
was not earning large salary. and ev.
cry "Wednesday the old man would re-
turn the compliment by sending them
a hamper OF provisions. The evening
passed In the pleasant home OF the at
tentivc couple who really cared for
him uusclnshly, was q marked event
In the routine of Uncle William. lie
seemed happy and relieved, almost
iolly, upon this special evening. lie
declared that supper had never tnsted
So good. and when Nctte placed him In
the most comfortable arm chair I'm the
house aud started the talklng machine
the old man sank back with sigh OF
comfort and peaceful enjoyment.
"l'll help Ncttic gcf the dishes out
Of the way, uncle" slid Boyd. 80 We
can be together right away" and
Joined his wife in her usual task.
Brisk and active. Nottle had her part
uf the work done before her less able
assistant had finished putting away the
knives and forks. She removed her
apron and ran into the sitting room.
Now for nice evening. uncle" |
Boyd heard her say, and then there |
was a wild scream.
"What is IL, Nettiel" spoke Boy ,.
startled.
"Oh, Boyd Come herel Come herer
'asped Nellie in a frightened voice.
Uncle William lay back in the chair,
There was a set smile
lpon his face, but he was dead. Tho
Did man had passed away without a
struggle amid the homage of honest,
oyal hearts and rare home comfort"
They buried him from their own lit
lie home. Martin Evans was there.
'ullen looking and bored. The lawyer
,alled the day after the funeral. Rev
erently Nettie had taken the old gold
nnunn1 nd h.. 90 all A.e
Df her uncle and stored them away, as
precious relics, In an unused wardrobe |
N the attic. Mr.. Byrd was very seri-
)us when he Informed Nettie that they
lad been unable 10 find the will.
ut was sealed, attested and wit
iessed at my Office the day OF his
leath," he said. ~ do not know all
he contents, but ! am aware OF the
'eneral legacies my client planned to
make. We have searched his safety
eposit box, at the old home, but have
iscovered no trace OF the will"
Finally Martin Evans made appllca-
on 10 the court as nearest of kin Of
le deceased and was awarded the es-
tie. His spendthrlft policy began at
nee TO develop. lie Squandered what
as left OF liquid character, then he
ortgaged the store building. lie
Ould have done the same with the
and farm, but Mr.. Byrd
i'd:
"You can draw the income from the
rm and live in the old home, but
III not consent TO any loan or sale. 4
hear you have farmed out that poor
tie outcast child you agreed TO care
r, and have put him in charge of a
retched couple addicted TO drink and
hO are abusive 10 the child" I
Boyd sought out Evans.
"See here. Evans he said, 1--WE a
vor 10 ask OF you"
III it's to borrow or beg. don't waste
ur time giOwled Evans. =
ut Is neither. Nettie is lonesome,
E love children, and II you will turn I
tie Alan over TO ms legally we will =
lopt him."
"will I? Sure" said Evans. "Good
idance to bad rubbish"
Little Alan was welcome delight
the chlldless couple. lie throve
.ghtily under loving care and com
ri. He was eight years old when,
e day, his active investigating spirit
I him to ransack the garnet. He lo-
ted the cherished cane and silk hat
the old wardrobe. Nettie, return
: home from a neighbor's, with con-
srnatlon observed Alan paradlng
wn the street n square distant, lead
z n band of urchins, Uncle Williams
sh hat was ON his head, Uncle VIII
ms cane In his hand. She hurried
r steps, but before she reached the
lprit crowd Of other boys appeared.
priyed little Alan Of his spolls and
oceeded TO institute a game of -shin-
e" using the hat for the ball and the
ne as the club. That evening Nettie
tailed the circumstance Of the hour.
'yd examined the hat. i'll
Pretty badly stove In. and inside
"A Torn lonua fhtnk WON ean aouv