Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-04

still don't see why I'm here or how all
this concerns me-"
Everything shall be made clear d.
rectiy," Lord Ardrington promised. Il
am not rich man, Mr.. Martin Barnes;
I am, In fact, for my rank In life,
singularly poor one, but such money as
have to leave have determined
shall not benefit that young man who
Is now looking at me so murderousiy
from the other end of the table. have
no near relatives unless you place in
that category an adopted daughter who
is already provided for. and / have de-
moneys which would otherwise come
into the estate by deed of gift. Mr..
Borden, If you please"
The lawyer drew reluctantly from his
pocket and placed upon the table
thick sealed packet
Eighty Thousand Pounds!
Inside that" Lord Ardrington con-
tinued, pointing toward it, ARE bank
notes to the value of eighty thousand
pounds Not a large sum. Mr.. Barnes,
but I trust you will agree with me a
very pleasant sum to own. To pick
up the trend of our conversation, you
will remember that I tod you of my
intention to dispose of some portion
of my estate by deed or gift. But to
whom? / imagine, perhaps. that
may be an old man grown out Of touch
with the time, but the regrettable fact
remains that there is scarcely one Of
my few relatives with whom I am on
speaking terms with the exception of
4 neice who flatly refuses to accept any
thing from me. I come to consider the
question of charity. Mr. Earnes, I have
been en- unf1inching opponent OF chari-
table institutions throughout my life.
Hospitals, have always argued, should
be State-endowed. / will not, however,
open up that question, as I do not wish
to trespass for too long upon your pa
thence. have found myself faced with
this fact: I know of no living person,
nor have I interest in any institution,
which I would care to have profit by
this sum of money"
Martin Barnes was listening in earn
est now. In state of strain, his face
gave evidence of qualities more or less
latent. It's pallor became him. The
tenseness Of his expression gave empha
sis to his not unattractive features.
His eyes, though light in color, were
singularly bright and clear.
"All my life" the speaker proceeded,
II have been called farceur. In my
last few hours I have determined to live
up to my reputation. have instructed
my lawyer to bring here in bank notes
that portion of my property of which
desire to dispose--or shall say, that
desire to keep from the covetous
hands of my nephew. / announced
some half an hour ago my intention
to these gentlemen of presenting that
sum by deed or gift to the first person
MIR 7 cl
down the street"
Lord Ardrington paused and slipped
his wine deliberately. raised the richly
cut glass toward the light, studied it
for moment ard drank the remainedr
Of its contents, Meanwhile not word
had been spoken Martin Barnes was
starcelv conscious Of his own physical
whereabouts. The power of speech was
denied him His whole attention was
rivetcd upon the man bv hiSSide.
1.-THE money" Lord Ardrington cen
cluded. "is there. ard you. Mr.. Martin
Barnes, have had the fortunc--mark
you, l say the fortune for the future
alone will show whether 1t is good or
ill---to passI wonder whv?-down this
remote thoroughfare. You are &C
cordingly seated at my table. and will
presently depart with that packet of
notes In your possession. I notice that
you continue dumb. The situation is
doubtless confusing to you. Might
venture an inquiry as to your present
means ard condition."
The Hero In the Drama.
The young man listened to his own
voice as one listens to the speech OF a
stranger.
II am n commercial traveller" he con-
IN ff~EH eli
weeks on busineSs~-Shrives {; Welsh
man In Eermondscy. Tacy pay me
four pounds a week and a commission.
have no ether money. don't under
stand this. It's some sort Of joke.
of cource."
Mr. Barnes" he said, before W. 60
further / insist uuon your telling me
what you think of that wine"
Martin slipped obedientiy. Fits reply,
however. lacked enthusiasm.
"Oh. I don't know. It's good, l
suppose. What does 1t matter?
never tasted anything like that before. y
You spoke the truth" Lord Arllring-
ton approved. You have never ta3ted
anything like 1t. 1t Is port Of IN 1868
vintage. which had lain undiSturh2d in
1870. A revelation to you, ] hope, Mr.,
Barnes?"
How much longer Is this damned
foolery going to lcst?" the Honorable
Gerald Garnham asked softly. but in
2 voice quiver!ng with latent fury.
His uncle extended his hand.
MY dear Gerald" he begged. do
not hurry me. Remember that I am
finding amusement In this little scene
and that the aEausementS Of r,y life
are nearly over Mr.. Earnes. you, hav-
ing mind trained by commerce. are
naturally asking yourself whether such
nh extraordinary gift rs mine can leg
ally be made. Let me assure you that 1t
can The gentleman whom presented
to you a few minutes ago Mr. Borden
lis my lawyer Mr.. Borden has drawn
up the deed of gift which is inclosed
with these banknotes In which ! set
forth my intantions cohercntly and.
think, with intelligence. The other
gentleman. to whom / presented yots~-
Dr. HelSby-is my physician. II at
any time you should be In need of adj
vice. Mr.. Barnes can assure you that
DR.. HelSby's reputation is more than
local Now DR.. He.5hy has given a
certificate, which Is also appended 70
the deed Of the gift. In which he adj
mits that mentally am perfect in
health. that am absolutely conscious
of what / am doing and therefore in