Ruby's Reward — page 9: what you’re looking at

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

We know how eagerly he accepted the situation, and what measure he adopted to preclude the possibility of its ever being found, by closing the aperture through which .t had fallen Into some hidden nook in that quaint old desk, Of course no one would ever think of breaking the thing to pleces to search for it, and there lt might lie for ages, and the law of inheritance would have its way. The obsequies were conducted with all the ceremony which would naturally be expected for a man who had stood go high as Ralpb Carpenter had stood in the city, where he had resided for 80 many years. He had possessed many friends, and been profoundly respected, both as a business man and a citizen, as the large number of people who foliowed to his last resting- place testified, When all was over, of course, questions regarding the settlement of his large property came up for discussion. Everybody knew that Walter Richardson had been like a dear son to the man; he had been carefully reared and educated; there had, apparently, been no distinctlon made between him and Edmund, and people naturally expected thab some handsome provision had been made for him. On the return of the family from the costly tomb in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mr. Fairbanks, a firm irlend of Mr, Carpenter, and one who had occasionally transacted Important business for him, asked Hdmund if he sup- posed his father had made a will, “He may Dave done so, Mr. Fairbanks,” replied the young man, with apparent candor. ‘You know he has always been very fond of Walter, and he may have wished to secure something to him, which, of course, could only be done In that way, Suppose you assist me in looking over my father’s papers and see how matters stand.” Mr. Fairbanks was agreeable to this Vea anda thorough investigation was made; but no will was_ found, although tht intricate old aesk was Tansacked irom end toend. The gentleman expressed himself greatly surprised at this result. for he said phat he = Mr. Carpenter repeatedly remark that he inten to provide Jiberally for Walter's future. een coccclcos |