The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1918-04-25
THE MISSING WILL
BY MARIE HAMMOND.

Copyright. 1917. Western Newspaper Union.)
"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
fisitor to think of anything outside Of
Kindly attentions. Boyd helped his
Hife's uncle remove his oyercoat, while
Nettie placed his tall silk hat and cane
Ipon the hat rack.
YES, sir" resumed Uncle William
Jass, as they led him into the bright
Ind coy sitting room and he shifted
he evening meal appetizingly. 81 just
vent to Mr.. Byrd, my lawyer, and had
he matter settled once for ALL"
Ever since they were married, every
Tuesday evening Mr.. Cass had come TO
dsit his dead wife's niece and her
husband. He would take supper with
hem and usually stay all night. Boyd
VAS not earning large salary, and ey-
Fry Wednesday the old man would re-
urn the compliment by sending them
/ hamper of provisions. The evening
passed in the pleasant home of the at
ientive couple who really cared foI
aim unselfshly, was Il marked event
N the routine of Uncle William. He
seemed happy and relieved, almost
Jolly, upon this special evening. He
declared that supper had never tasted
30 good, and when Nettie placed him in
he most comfortable arm chair in the
mousse 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
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 a nice evening, uncle"
Boyd heard her say, and then there
was IA wild scream.
"What Is 1t, Nettle" spoke Boyd,
startled.
"Oh, Boyd Come herel Come here !"
gasped Nellie In II frightened voice.
Uncle William lay back in the chair,
motlonless. 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. I'm 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.
at was sealed attested and wit
messed at my Office the day Of his
death" he said. 81 do not know all
the contents, but | 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 appllca-
ton To the court as nearest of kin of
the deceased and was awarded the es-
tate. His spendthrift policy began at
once to develop. lie squnndered what
was left Of liquid character, then he
mortgnged the store building. He
would hive 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.
/ hear you have farmed out that poor
little outcast child you agreed to care
for, and have put him In charge of n
wretched couple addicted TO drink aud
who are abusive TO the child"
Boyd sought out Evans.
".see here, Evans" he said, "rve a
favor to ask of you
IF It's to borrow or beg, don't waste
your time" growled Evans.
ut is neither. Nettle Is lonesome,
we love children, and If you will turn
little Alan over to us legally we will
adopt him."
"Wlll /? Surel" said Evans. "Good
rfddaupa IA hnu rrhhISh
Little Alan was n welcome delight
to the childloss couple. lie throve
nightly under loving care and COM
fort. He was eight years old when,
one day. his active investigating spirit