“He has no claim upon me. Lawyer, make out a deed of gift of these lots to Chester Rand, and I will sign it.”
The writing was completed, Bruce found strength to sign it, and then sank back exhausted. Two days later he died. Of course the eight dollars a week from the minister’s fund ceased to be paid to the Rands. Chester had not succeeded in obtaining work. To be sure he had the five lots in Tacoma, but he who had formerly owned them had died a pauper. The outlook was very dark.
CHAPTER V.
CHESTER’S FIRST SUCCESS.
Chester and his mother and a few friends attended the funeral of Walter Bruce. Silas Tripp was too busy at the store to pay this parting compliment to his nephew. He expressed himself plainly about the folly of the Rands in “runnin’ into debt for a shif’less fellow” who had no claim upon them. “If they expect me to pay the funeral expenses they’re mistaken,” he added, positively. “I ain’t no call to do it, and I won’t do it.”
But he was not asked to defray the expenses of the simple funeral. It was paid for out of the minister’s charitable fund.
“Some time I will pay you back the money, Mr. Morris,” said Chester. “I am Mr. Bruce’s heir, and it is right that I should pay.”
“Very well, Chester. If your bequest amounts to anything I will not object. I hope for your sake that the lots may become valuable.”
“I don’t expect it, Mr. Morris. Will you be kind enough to take care of the papers for me?”