The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1918-01-15
The MISSING WILL
BY MARIE AMMOND,
Copyright. 1917. Western Newspaper linton

'S"' my SHiiurell, I've maue my
will"
Boyd Hartley looked interested and
his wife, Nettle, curious. Both, how.
ever, were too eager so welcome their
visitor to think of anything outside of
kindly attentions. Boyd helped his
wires uncle remove his overcOat. while
Nettie placed his tall silk hat and cane
upon the hat rack.
yes, sir" resumed Unc,e William
Cass, as they led him into the bright
and coy sitting room and he shifted
the evening meal appetizingly. 81 just
went to Mr.. Byrd, my lawyer, and had
the matter settled once for ILL.,"
Ever since they were married. every
Tuesday evening Mr. Cass had come to
visit his dead wife's niece and her
husband. He would take supper with
them and usually 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 ut.
tentive couple who really cared for
him unselflshly, was a marked event
In the routine Of Uncle William. He
seemed happy and relieved, almost
jolly, upon this special evening. He
declared that supper had never tasted
so good, and when Nettie placed him in
the most comfortable arm chair in the
house and started the talking machine,
the old man sank back with a sigh Of
comfort and peaceful enjoyment.
I'll help Nettie get the dishes out
Of the way, uncle" said Boyd, 80 we
can be together right away" and
Joined his wife in her usual task.
Brisk and active, Nettie had her part
of 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 II nice evening, uncle"
Boyd heard her say, and then there
was wild scream.
"What is 1t, Nettie!" spoke Boyd,
startled.
"Oh. Boyd Come here! Come here |"
gasped Nellie I'm frightened voice.
Uncle William lay back in the chair,
mOtiOnless. There was set smile
upon his face, but he was dead. The
old man had passed away without Il
struggle amid the homage of honest,
loyal hearts and rare home comfort"
They buried him from their own lit
tie home. Martin Evans was there,
sullen looking and bored. The lawyer
called the day after the funeral. Rev.
erently Nettie had taken the old gold
headed cane and the familiar silk hat
of her uncle and stored them away, as
precious relics, in an unused wardrobe
in the attic. Mr.. Byrd was very seri-
Gus when he Informed Nettle that they
had been unable to find the will.
ut was scaled. attested and wit
messed at my Office the day of his
DEATH" he said. 81 do not know all
general legacies my client planned TO
make. We have searched his safety
deposit box, ut the old home, but have
discovered no trace of the will"
Finally Martin Evans made applica-
ton to the court as nearest of kin of
the deceased and was awarded the es-
tate. His spendthrift policy began ut
once to develop. lie squandered what
was left Of liquid character, then he
the store building. He
would have done the same with the
and farm, but Mr.. Byrd
said:
"YOu can draw the income from the
farm and live In the old home, but
will not consent to any loan or sale.
hear you have farmed out that poor
little outcast child you agreed to care
for, and have put him in charge of II
couple addicted to drink and
who are abusive to the child"
Boyd sought out Evans.
"See here, Evans" he said, "Tve u
favor to ask of YOU
IF it's to borrow or beg, don't waste
your time" growled Evans.
ut Is neither. Nettie Is lonesome,
we love children, and if you will turn
title Alan over to US legally we will |
adopt him."
"Will 1? Sure!" said Evans. Good |
to bad rubbish"
Little Alan was welcome delight |
to the childless couple. He throve
under loving care and COM
'Ort. He was eight years old when,
me day, his active investigating spirit |
ed him to ransack, the garrett. He To-
'ated the cherished cane and silk hat |
n the old wardrobe. Ncttie, return
ng home from II neighbours, with con-
'ternatiOn observed Alan parading |
lown the street square distant, lead |
ng Il band of urChins, Uncle Williams |
ugh hat was on his head, Uncle Will
lams cane in his hand: She .hqrrls9 !
Ter steps, but before She reached the |
'ulprit crowd Of other boys appeared, |
deprived little Alan Of his spells and |
proceeded to institute game uf shin
he" using the hat for the ball and the
'ane as the club. That evening Nettie |
lCtailed the circumstance Of the hour. |