Part 25 (2/2)
”It will pay you regularly,” Mr. Westcote replied. ”I may as well tell you that this is one of the most remarkable companies ever formed.
Will you now mention the names of the princ.i.p.al ones to whom you wish to leave the rest of your interest?”
”There are only two, but I have such unlimited confidence in them that I feel I am making no mistake. You know them both for they are Jasper Randall, the young foreman, and Miss Lois Sinclair.”
”Have you no relatives?” Mr. Westcote asked, concealing his surprise as much as possible. ”If you have, would it not be well to remember them in your will?”
”I desire that all I possess in this world should go to the ones I have mentioned,” David slowly replied. ”We will not talk about relatives, please.”
”Just as you say,” Mr. Westcote a.s.sented, as he rose to his feet. ”I shall have the papers drawn up at once. In the meantime, you had better come and stay with me. You will need a good rest after your trip.”
It was late in the afternoon the next day before the work upon the will was completed. It was quite an elaborate affair, so David thought, and he had to study it carefully before signing it. When at last all was finished, the car was waiting before the office to carry them back to Creekdale.
”I am going with you,” Mr. Westcote remarked as he took his seat by David's side. ”I want to see that you get safely home. And besides,”
he added, ”I wish to learn how the work is getting along up there. I have just been telephoning to Mr. Randall, and his report is most encouraging.”
CHAPTER XXI
HARNESSED POWER
It was dark by the time they drew near to Creekdale, and as the car rounded a bend in the road David was astonished at the sight which met his eyes. The entire way was brilliantly illuminated by hundreds of electric lights strung along both sides of the road.
David started, sat bolt upright, and clutched his companion by the arm.
”What is this?” he demanded in a hoa.r.s.e whisper. ”Where are we, anyway? I thought you were bringing me home.”
”So I am,” Mr. Westcote laughingly replied. ”We are at Creekdale now.
This is the work of your beloved falls. Are you satisfied?”
”Oh!” It was all that the old man could say. He leaned back in his seat and a sigh of relief escaped his lips. It was quite evident that he was strongly moved by what he saw.
Slowly the car moved up the great white way, and at last turned into the gate leading to the Haven. Two large lights had been placed on the gate post, and these shed forth their bright light upon all sides. It was a marvellous transformation which had been made in such a short time. David could not utter a word, so overcome was he. Even when he saw the house ablaze with many lights and the verandah as bright as day, and observed the people there waiting to welcome him home, he seemed like one in a dream. It was only when Betty danced about him and caught both of his hands in hers, that he aroused from his stupefaction.
”What's the matter, Mr. David?” she cried. ”Why don't you speak to me, and tell me how you like it all?”
”It is wonderful!” and the old man placed his hand to his forehead, as he always did when greatly affected or puzzled. ”Who did all this?”
”It was done for you, Mr. David,” the girl explained. ”My, we have had a lively time here since you left!”
”And was that the reason why I was taken to the city yesterday?” David asked, while a new light of comprehension dawned upon his mind. ”You knew all about this, did you?”
”Oh, no, I didn't know a thing,” Betty protested. ”But just as soon as you got away Mr. Jasper and a whole crowd of men began to work, and they have been just hustling ever since. Isn't it lovely! And to think that it was in your brain all the time!”
”This is very gratifying, sir,” and David turned to Jasper, who was standing by listening with great interest to the conversation between the girl and the old man. ”I can hardly believe what I see. I had no idea that you had made such progress at the falls. It will be necessary for me to go and see the works for myself.”
”We have a great deal more to do yet, I a.s.sure you,” Jasper replied.
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