Might and Main Library. Number 56, 1907-03-16 — page 29: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

AND MIGHT ve - “Then, sir, if that were to be lost, what would become of the estate of Glen William?” : oe EEN G: surrogate would insist on such a provision ; besides, We the deed stipulated that Glen William should revert to the crown, and, as we kicked all such baubles as crowns. into yy the sea along with the tea in Boston Harbor, why, the 4 crown would never get Glen William.” “It is all the better to have it, though?” Ves 3 it. does no harm, and is really a valuable heir- - loom.” | “But, sir, ought T not e give it to Mr. Vernon?” -.No; it belongs to you.” -2o mer’ | -“Yes. .I may as well tell you ue story of ree birth.” ae Will you?” ~ “Yes. Of course, I can only tell you the story. I do not ‘ ‘know whether I shall be able to prove it in the court.” (et 4 At 4s ‘trie s - “Truth has to be proved, Vernon; but I have no doubt I will Comte right. et oy right to ee? Will- “How is that, sir? I was not Mr. Craig’s son.’ “Yes, and no; your right name is Vernon poly and illiam Craig was your father.” Who was William Craig?” You are in a hurry. Your grandfather had two sons, on and William; or, rather, I should have reversed ‘names, for William was a year older than Vernon. It appears that William offended his father so griev- jusly. that he threatened him with disinheritance. William as fiery, and left home. For years nothing was heard of him, and Vernon was looked upon as heir to the estate. “Vernon pleaded that his father should make an effort o find William, but the old man would not. “When the old man died he bequeathed the estate and 5 all his personal property to Vernon, and only mentioned William in a codicil, which was to the effect that, in case Vernon should die without children, the property should go to William’s children, if he had any. “Years went by, and Vernon, the one you. bare called i tether, hears nothing of his brother until one day he re- ) ceived a message, which made him start away from home “ft at once. “William was dead, and his widow was dying, waite he not corhe and see her? : “Vernon did go, and found a tiny baby—yourself—which he promised to adopt. The widow died,’and Vernon re. turned home with the baby. ; “He ‘refused to declare its identity, but dele brought 1 “you up as his own; he had no children, sO you were bes eG the heir.” Sy © "Then why all this mystery, sir?” asked Vernon. et . “That I could not, at first, understand; but I saw clearer «Tater, When your “mother died she left no proofs of the . truth of her story, and she was sq delirious that she could NG not tell when or where her husband, your father, died. + wat “This complicated matters, te Vernon was a just man, Mag he wanted every in | pled detectives,, r nee : ie MAI N straight for you; he eit ‘ the ‘mar- 4 BRARY. clear. But, knowing the uncertainty of the law, he had resolved on bequeathing you the property by will, so that. , if your kinship was disputed, the will would give you the property. He feared Joshua Vernon, for he it was who ‘had caused the estrangement between the brothers.” oe: “And, sir, can you prove all this in court?” ‘“The proofs were stolen from Glen William that night, you remember.” 7 | TE see at at Maavers wanted me to ‘buy. some papers from him, and he said another wanted them.” = “But we may prove all without the. ae “Your mother’s sister is in: cacstapeedenee wiih me. She_ was a witness of the marriage, nursed diel father in his: last sickness, and closed your mother’s eyes.” # 4 “Then will not that be enough.” | Ce = “I don’t know. She loved Joshua Vernon, and, strange to say, loves him still.” “You think——” “That she might be an unwilling witness. hope for the best.” There was a knock on. the door, and the servant an: nounced: ee Oe “Miss Bernitz.” “Your aunt, Vernon,” tered. Aunt Bernitz was so like Vernon Ginie: in feature, al-_ lowing for the difference in age, that no one would eke the relationship. eee “Are you really my mother’s sister ?” Vernon asked, “Ves: and I have so longed to see you? 5 '“Why all this mystery? It was not kind to me.” 3 “Blame 1 me not. Did you es know all. your uncl i But we pe 2 SPREE added Zeutgard, as the la dy - across the face of Miss Bernitz. c “Forgive me, aunt; I did not mean to eical cause unpleasant memories to arise.’ im “I know it, Vernon. I know that you are 1 mother and your uncle.” ik Op ae “And not like my father ?” ook ; “No. He was impetuous . and hasly: wbnde rash things in the heat of temper which would sorrow afterward.” Miss Bernitz seemed greatly souated and -for som utes her emotjons were too great for words. When she was able to “control her feelings she t to Lawyer Zeutgard. | eek you found the: inurderer of Venice Craig? a “Have you abandoned le search ?” “That I cannot answer.’ Retatise the detectives are always raiaidne be | Pee 9 es # Sve 2 te 7 \ i* 7 ea: ‘ a clue, and yet I have no hope of any good result. “From the detectives, I should think not.” Then on Bie can we rely?” _ OEThat a 3 ._ lawyer's qiestion. almost mad, ; comichooks.com