Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1918-01-31
THE MISSING WILL
BY MARIE HAMMOND.


well. my children, I've made my
will"
Boyd Hartley looked interested and
his wife, Nettie, curious. Both, how
ever, were too eager to welcome their
visitor to think Of anything outside of
kindly attentions. Boyd helped his
wife's uncle remove his overcoat, while
Nettie placed his tall silk hat and cane
upon the hat rack.
Yes, SIR" resumed Uncle William
Cass, as they led him into the bright
and coy sitting room and he shifted
the evening meal appetizingly. II just
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 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 at
tentive couple who really cared for
him unselfshly, was 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,
| nld h.c x,,tt Cd. %
comfort and peaceful enjoyment.
"Pll help Nettie get the dishes out
of the way, uncle" said Boyd, $50 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
apron and ran into the sitting room.
Nov for a nice evening, uncle"
Boyd heard her say. and then there
was wild scream.
"What is 1t, Nettier" spoke Boyd,
startled.
"Oh, Boyd Come herel Come here |"
gasped Nellie In frightened voice.
OhNiC w 10y JUN III thC Nhdiis
motionless. There was set smile
upon his face, but he was dead. The
old man had passed away without a
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 Nettie that they
had been unable to find the will.
1T was sealed, attested and wit
messed at my office the day of his
DEATH" he said 81 do not know all
the contents, but l am aware of the
general legacies my client planned to
make. We have searched his safety
deposit box, at 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 WIS awarded the es-
tate. His spendthrift policy began at
once to develop. He squandered what
was left of liquid character. then he
mortgaged the store building. He
would have done the same with the
homestead 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
l hear you have farmed out that poor
little outcast child you agreed to care
wretched couple addicted to drink and
who are abusive to the child"
Boyd sought out Evans.
"See here, Evans" he said, "Tve {
favor to ask of you"
IF it's to borrow or beg, don't waste
your time," growled Evans.
) 1T is neither. Nettie Is lonesome
we love children, and if you will turf
little Alan over to us legally we vii
adopt him."
"Will 1? Surel" said Evans. "Goot
-riddance to bad rubbish"
Little Alan was n welcome deligh
to the childless couple. He throw
nightly under loving care and com
fort. He was eight years old when
one day, his active investigating spiri
led him to ransack the garnet. He 10
Gated the cherished cane and silk ha
: In the old wardrobe. Nettie, return
Ing home from a neighbours, with con
! sternation observed Alan paradinl
down the street square distant, lead
ing a band of urchins, Uncle William
high hat was on his head, Uncle WI
liams cane in his hand. She hurried
her steps, but before she reached tn
culprlt crowd of other boys appeared
II deprived little Alan of his spoils an
proceeded to institute a game of "shin
ME-" using the hat for the ball and tn
cane as the club. That evening Netti
n detailed the circumstance of the houl
Boyd examined the hat.
"Pretty badly stove In, and insid
., band torn loose. / think you can sc,