Year: 1864

the more dilAtOuo ~ dCNOut lJiisu Nbio iiOlh
the fact that declining health warned him
Of the approach of day when his beloved
ones who leaned on him so confdingly
would have none to care for them. If
he would secure a home into which they
might cluster together, he felt that much
would be gained. And this he had ac--
complished but the effort cost too dear
ly. He had taxed his physical system
to an extent that produced serious re-
action; and though be secured a dwell
ling for his family, he permanently weak
ened his constitution.


One day, in making a sudden effort he
ruptured blood vessel, and was taken
home in a dangerous condition. This
was the very day that Jason Elder made
the unfortunate discovery of defect in
the title ofhis property. Little dreamed
he, as with death knocking at the door.
he found consolation in The though: that
his family, even if he were taken from
them, would not be left without home I;
that at the very time, there was a move
ment TO deprive them Of their little
patrimony. And well for him was it that
the veil Of ignorance was before bis eyes !;
for, had he known of the threatened
danger, the knowledge would surely have
cost him his life.


On the day following, gentleman
called at the house of Mr.. Lee, to notify
him that proceedings were about being
instituted for the purpose of testing the
validity Of his title but, learning that he
was dangerously i'll, he went away with
out leaving word as TO the purpose Of his
business.


In the meantime, Elder, who had not
heard Of Mr.. Lees illness, was awaiting
with some interest to see the Ultimate eff
feet of the blow he had struck. There
were times when in a measure, he re-
pentcd Of what he had done. But the
repentance was not very deep, and his i'll
will towards Mr.. Lee soon obliterated all
traces thereof.


On the third day, Elder received
brief note from Mr.. Earl desiring him to
call at his office, as he wished to see him
on particular business.


There was something in this note that
affected Mr. Elder unpleasantly. What
It was, however, he could not discover,
although he read it over and oyer again,
at least half dozen times.


4 wonder what he wants with me ? he
said uneasily, as he started off promptly
to obey the summons.


'Ah, Mr.. Elder, I'm glad to see you
Mr.. Earl smiled, and lie offered his hand.
But there was something wrong in the
smile and no heart whatever i n the
pressure Of his hand.


I've been investigating that matter
that you brought TO ms notice. said Mr..
Earl, and his countenanee assumed
grave aspect.


'Ab, have you q? Well, sir, did you not
find It as l said ?


There is a flaw, certainly, and very
serious one


i was sure of it from what Larkin said.
He's never at fault in matters Of this
kind


you aimed a heavy blow at Mr. Lee,
my FRIEND said Mr.. Earl. There was a
quick change in his manner, followed by
a pause. Then he added


But it passed him unharmed and
struck another ?


'Who ? eagerly inquired Elder.


Yourself p was the startling response.


Me ! do not understand you, Earl !


The countenance of Jason Elder had
become suddenly overspread with great
alarm.


'Mr. Lees tile is perfectly good


1T is


Yes. But-your's is defective


Impossible p exclaimed Elder, turn
ing pale.


Not at all. Mr.. Larkin is rarely at
fault in matters of this kind. He knew
there was flaw somewhere in the title
of the property that once belonged to my
uncle's estate, but erred in this instance.
Mr.. Lee is safe, but your title is not
worth copper. l am much obliged to
you for hunting up this windfal for me
i should hardly have come across it
myself and in consideration thereof, will
deal with you as leniently as possible
OF course, do not expect you to take my
word in regard to the flaw. It's existence,
however, will soon be demonstrated
You had better see your lawyer and ask
him to call for me. In the meantime, /
will say that on varinns reasnns I nm