New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-02-03

Hurricane Hall is large old family mansion built
Of dsh red sandstone in one OF the lonehest ana WHO
est Of the mountain regions Of Virginia.
The estate s surrounded on three sides by range OF
s41ey gray rocks, spiked with clumps of dark ever
greens and called from s horseshoe forn the Devils
Hocf
On the fourth side the ground gradually descends
m broken rock and barren soil 10 the edge of the wild
mountain stream known as the Devils Run.
When storms and foods were high, the loud rosrng
Of the wind through the wild mountain gorges, and the
terrific raging Of the torrent over s rocky course gave
10 this savage locality its l.omened names of Devils
Hcof, Devils Run and Hurricane Hall.
Major Ira Warfed the lonely proprietor OF the Hall,
vas veteran officer who, in Disgust az what he sup
posed to be ilrequted services, had retired from
public life to spend the evening of his vigorous age on
this mis- patrimonia estate Here he lived in secusoD,
with his old fashioned housekeeeper, Mrs. Condiment,
and his old family servants and his fsvore dogs and
hsrses. Here his mornings usually spent in the
chase, in which he excelled, and bis afternoons and
evenings were occupied in lmall convivial suppers
among his few chosen companions of the chase or the
bottle.
In person Major Warfeld was tall and strongly built,
reminding one of some old rOn-limbed Douglas Of the
eden time His features were large and harsh; his
complexion dark red as that Of one brouzed by long
sxpesure and flushed wi II strong drink. His fierce,
DARK gray ey es were surouptA by thick heavy black
brows that when gathered into frown, reminded one
Of q thunder cloud. the flashing orbs beneath them
DID Of lighting. His hard harsh fsce was surrounded
by thick growth of iron.gray hair and beard that
met beneath his chin. His usual habit was a black
oletb coat, crimson vest, black leather breeches long,
black yarn stockings fastened st the knees aud mo-
rocco slippers with silver buttons.
In character Major Warfeld was arrogant DOM
and ioapt-pnuay loved and feared by his
faithful old family servants at hcDe-disked and
dreaded by his neigbbors and acquaintance abroad
who, partly from his house and partly from his char
aeter, fixed upon him the appropriate nickname OF
OLD HURRICANE.
There was however other ground of dislike besides
that Of his arrogant mind, violent temper and dom
neeripg habits. Old Hurricane was said to be an old
bachelor yet whispered that there was 10 some
Obscure part of the world, hidden away from human
sight, a deserted wife and child, poor fororn ana
heaItbroken. II further whispered that the elder
brother Of Ira Wareld had mysterousy disappeared,
ana not without suspicion of foul play on the part
Of the onyperson in the world who had strong interest
In his "takipg off," However these things might be,
II was known for certainty that Old Hurricane had
an only sister widowed, sick and poor VINO with her
sen dragged on a wretched life of Hire q1ted toll
severe privaton and painful infrmity, in a distant
city, unaidea unsought and uncared for by her cruel
brother. -
IL was the night of the last day of October, 1875
The evening had closed in very dark and gloomy
About dusk the wind arose in the northwest, driving
the ground was covered deep with snow, and the air
was filed with driving seet.
As this was All Halow Eve, the dreadful inclem-
ency Of the weather did not prevent the negroes OF
Hurricane Hall from svaGng themselves OF tneir Ca
PRECIOUS old masters PERMISSION aud going OF Ia 4
body to banjo breakdown held in the negro quarters
81 their next neighbor.
Upon this evening then there WAS left at Hurricane
Half only Major Warfeld, Mrs Condiment, his little
cid hou.ek. eper, aud Wool, his body servant.
Early in the evening the old hall was shut up
closely to keep out a. much as possible the SOUND OF
the storm that roared through tue mountain chasms
and cannonaded the walls of the houseas If determined
20 force entrsnce As soon as she had seen that 81
was safe, Mrs. Condiment went TO bed a1d Went TO
sleep. -
IL was about ten O'Clock that night that Old Hurri
cane well wrapped up in his quilted flannel dressing
gown sat in his well padded easy chair before warm
and bright fire, taking his comfort IN his own most
comfortable bedroom. This was the hour OF the CO.
zest enjoyment To the seindugent old Sybarite, who
dearly loved his ase. And indeed every means
and appliance Of bodily comfort was a; hand. Strong
oaken shutters and thick, heavy curtsns at the WIN
aows kept every draft Of air and 80 deadenei the
sound Of the wird tina. s subdued moaning wa. lust
Sufficient to remind oue of the stormy weather without
in contrast to the bright warmth within. Old Harm.
cane, as said sat well wrapped up IN his wadded
dreespg gown and reclining in HE padded easy chair,
with his head thrown back and his feet upon the hre
irons, toasting his shins and slipping his punch Ga
his right hsad stood little table with lighted can
die, sta Of clay pipes, luS oil punch lemons
sugar Holland gin, Nc,, while on the hearth sal ket-
tie Of boiling water 20 help cPensh the jug needial
On his left hand stood his cozy bedstead with Its
crimson curtains festooned back, revealing the
luxurious swell of the full feather bed and poss with
their snow white hnen and lambswoo blankets lnvit
ing repose. Between this bedstesd AMI the corner oi
the FIRE place stood Old Hurricanes ancient body ser
want Wool, engaged in warming crimson cloth night
hFools - muttered Old Hurricane over his puci-
jsehs they all get the peurisy except those that
Get drunk Did they all 60, Wool =
"Ebery man, oman and chile, sar -'cept It's me
end ooachmsn ssr y
I" More fools they And shouldn't wonder if you.
You old scarecrow, didn't want to 20 too
mo, Mare
al know better sir. don't contradict me Wei, as
sson as I'm in bed and that wont be long now, you
nay go-sothat you get back in time to wait on me
Tomorrow morning ~
"Thsnky, Marse."
Hold ysur tongue You're as big fool SIS the
take his," said Old Hurricane, as he slipped his
pencn and smscked his lips" take this 10 be the
very quintessence Of humsn eniOvment-sittiug here
N my soit, warm chair before the fire. tOaS.ing my
seSs apping my punch, listening on the one hand TO
tie storm witnont, aud CHANGING on the other hand
sleepy head II there is anything better thsn th;s
n this world wish somebody would 10. me know IL
Its all VERY comfortable indeed, Msrse' said the
cbseouious Wool.
n" wonder now ii there is anything on the face Of
BE earth tina. would tempt to leave nv COW fire.
s;de and 90 abroad tonight / wonder how lsrre a
promise Of pleasure or profit, or glory would take
Ssvi
eiye you pennanee for all your sarvins' suggested
Yea and mors cor I xouldnt leave NV hona