The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1918-01-14
THE MISSING WILL
BY MARIE HAMMOND.

Boyd Hartley looked interested and
his wife, Nettie, curious. Both. how ,
ever, We're 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. Il 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 wifes niece and her |
husband. lie would take supper with |
them and usually stay all night. Boyd |
was not earning a large salary, and ey-
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 fol
him unSeltishly, 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
50 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, $50 we
can be together right away" and
q 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
n apron and ran into the sitting room.
d Now for a nice evening, uncle"
d Boyd heard her say, and then there
n was a wild scream.
< what is it, Nettie." spoke Boyd,
startled.
It ooh Boyd! Come here Come herew
Is easped Nellie in a frightened voice.
/ Uncle William lay back in the chair,
IT m0tiOnleSs. There was a set smile
n upon his face, but he was dead. The
n old man had passed away without a
II struggle amid the homage of honest,
loyal hearts and rare home comfort"
They buried him from their own lit
Or tie home Martin Evans was there,
De sulen looking and bored. The lawyer
eS called the day after the funeral. Rev
n erently Nettie had taken the old gold
On headed cane and the. familiar silk hat
an of her uncle and stored them away, as
TX precious relics in an unused wardrobe
i'll the attic. Mr.. Byrd was very seri-
a Gus when he informed Nettie that they
had been unable to find the will.
~ at was sealed. attested and wit
TO- messed at my office the day of his
DEATH" he said Il do not know all
by the contents, but l am aware of the
at general legacies my client planned to
make. We have searched his safety
ST deposit box at the old home, but have
he, discovered no trace of the WILL
he Finally Martin Evans made applica
ed ton to the court as nearest of kin OF
an the deceased and was awarded the es
tate. His spendthrift policy began al
rd- once to develop. He squandered what
IS: was left of liquid character, then HI
ip- would have done the same with thu
cir homestead and farm, but Mr.. ByrC
ny said:
lrk .you con draw the income from til,
ler farm and live in the old home, but
OPP will not consent to any loan or sale
&C. l hear you have farmed out that poo
)n little Outcast child you agreed to car
for, and have put him in charge of
III wretched couple addicted TO drink an
irt- who are abusive TO the child"
ms. Boyd sought out Evans.
ere ''See here Evans" he said, I've
u.s. favor to ask of YOU
Us IF it's to borrow or beg, don't vast
III your time" growled Evans.
o,h at Is neither. Nettie IS lonesom
NJ we love children, and if you will tur
LII little Alan over to Us legally we wi
adopt him."
.N'' "WilI 1? Sure" said Evans. Goo
,. radiance to bad rubbish"
Little Alan was a welcome deligl
TO the childless couple lie thro'
10, 10. nightly under loving care and cor
',,E fort. He was eight years old whe
g one day his active investigating spir
~, led him to ransack the garnet. He !
Gated the cherished cane and silk h;
a.. in the old wardrobe. Nettie, retur
ing home from a neighbours, with co
=. sternation observed Alan paradiI
- down the street square distant, lea
~ ing Il band of urchins, Uncle William
49,, high hat was on his head, Uncle W
- Iiam's cane in his hand. She hurri'
,hat her steps, but before she reached t
- culprit crowd of other boys appeare
10. deprived little Alan of his spoilS al
proceeded to institute a game OF SSH
ME-" using the hat for the ball and
not Cahe 10 'i,e eiao g - II,
evy. ue'"Iieo 'l'e
fo.o Boyd examined the hat.
onth pretty badly stove in, and insi
reed band torn loose. l think you can 81