Might and Main Library. Number 56, 1907-03-16 — page 3: what you’re looking at

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

i 4 oe 4“ VEE on Xs pene SPR abe tee i ati higitensare i bes F. = thew issued 1 Weebly. By baeision $2.50 per year. Entered according to Act of Congressin the year ig 17, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, Wa Mavton. Dix, Application made for entry % as Second-class Matter at the ‘N. Y. Post Office, by THE WINNER LIBRARY CoO., 165 West Fifteenth St., New York, ee ¥; & No. 56. NEW YORK, March 16, 1907. Price Five Cents. | inning His @ OR, THE FORTUNES OF VERNON CRAIG. @ By “ONE OF THE BOYS,” CHAPTER I. MURDER! _Vernon Craig, the richest and most respected man in the county, had been murdered under mysterious circumstances on his estate, known as Glen William, the night of his son’s sixteenth birthday. During the festivities, Joshua Vernon, a cousin who had just been released from’ the penitentiary, after serving a twenty-year sentence, appeared upon the scene, and up- braided Mr. Craig for not having used his influence with the governor of the State to obtain a pardon for the con- victed man. a8 Joshua accused Mr. Craig of wanting to keep him in prison, so that he could have the use of the estate. Mr. Craig protested that he had had no such intention in mind, and offered to share everything with Joshua. But the latter scornfully refused to accept the offer. ‘During the interview the subject of Vernon Craig, Jr.’s, birthday came up. “He is not your child,” said Joshua.. “But he is everything to me,” replied Mr. Craig. make him my heir!” a “Not one penny’ shall he have,’ exclaimed Joshua. is a base-born child, and you know it, Vernon Craig.” As these words were spoken, the young man to whom they were applied passed an open window and felt that the | “TI shall “Tle i stranger was referring to him. A moment later Mr. Craig said: “J shall make my will: to-morrow, and leave my prop- erty to this boy, who has been a son to me.’ “Vou will, will you?” sneered Joshua, as he stepped to the door and disappeared in the darkness, The next morning young Vernon Craig stunt across = x a * x i een ol Skee Es, a Z —£ = SBE veers oe FE TE RCFE IS eR OO TE ne Sit = the body of his father lying near a brook, a short distance trom the house, a dagger sticking in his heart. The family was shocked by the tragedy, but no one could | throw any light on the mystery. A stable-boy by the name of Tim was arrested and held by the police, though there was no evidence against him. The day after the funeral one of Mr. Craig’s lawyers, a Mr. Zeutgard, came to the house to see Mrs. Craig in regard to the settling of the dead man’s affairs. ‘‘Madam,” he said, “for ten years I have been Mr. Craig’s — attorney, and in virtue of that position I am present. Have you any will made by my client?” “No, sit.’ “During my frequent vacations, my learned brother, Comyns, has- had charge of Mr. Craig’s affairs, but he tells me that he has no knowledge of any will.” “I shall apply for letters of administration to be granted to the widow, and, of course, you all know that my friend will be succeeded by his son,. Vernon Craig.” “You are wrong, sir!” The interruption came from a stranger, who had been standing unnoticed in the shadow of the portieres. “You are wrong; Vernon Craig had no son.’ “But, sir, this youth—— ie) gutter-snipe picked up by the deceased sae ideoted by him.” “But in the absence of proof of your. nécetion “T can give you plenty of proof. That lad has no right to anything here. He is base-born, and has not even a name of his own.” Young Vernon sprang forward. Citem altel Merton ‘Craig was my fat! nev. ing to Mrs. Craig, 99 he said with passionate see a i ohts; Then, turn-