The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-02-03


IN the south entry Hark more knocking
SAAAsfEssR.
Hurricane Hall is large old family mansion,
built of dark, red sandstone, IN one of the lone
hest aud widest of the mountain regions OF Vlr-
ginia.
Tile estate il surrounded on three sides by range
Of steep gray rocks, spiked with cumps of dark
evergreens and called, from its horseshoe FORM the
Devils Hoof.
On the fourth side the ground gradually descends
in broken rock and barren soil TO the edge OF
tldwild mountain stream known as the Devls
Run.
When storms and foods were high, the loud roar
ing OF the wind through the wild mountain gorges,
and the terrific raging of the torrent overlts rocky
course gave 10 this savage locality its iliomened
names Of Devils Hoof, Devils Run and Hurricane
Hall. 80
Major Ira Warfeld, the lonely proprietor of the
Hall was veteran officer, who, in disgust at what
he supposed to be llrequted services, had retired
from public life spend the evening OF his yigor-
age on this his patrmonial estate: Here he
hved in seclusion, with his odfashioned housekeep
err Mrs. Condment, and his old family servants and
his favorte dogs and horses. Here his mornings
we're usually spent in the chase, in which ne eX-
celled, and his afternoons and evenings were occu
ped in small couyvia suppers among his few chosen
companions of the chase or the bottle.
In person Major Warteid was tall and strongly
built reminding OF some old iron-limbed Doug
las of the olden time. His features were large and
harsh; his complexion dark red, as that of one
bronzed by long exposure and flushed with strong
drink. His fierce, dark gray eyes were surmounted
by thick, heavy black brows that, when gathered
into a tro~n, reminded one OF a thunder cloud, as
the flashing orbs beneath them did of lightning. His
hard harsh face was surrounded 10y thick growth
of iron-gray hair and beard that met beneath his
chin. His usual habit was a black cloth coat, Grim
son vest, black leather breeches, long, black yarn
stockings. fastened at the knees, and morocco
slippers with silver buttons.
In character Major Warfed arrogant, dom
herring and INTELLECTUALLY loved and feared by
his faithful old family servants at home-disliked
and dreaded by his neighbors and acquaintance
abroad who partly from his house and partly from
his character, fixed upon him the appropriate nick
name of OLD HURRICANE.
There was, however, other ground of dislike be-
sides that of his arrogant mind, violent temper and
domineerng habits. Old Hurricane was said to be
an old bachelor, yet rumOr whispered that there
was in some obscure part of the world, hidden away
from human sight, deserted wife and child, poor,
forlorn and heAtbroken II was farther whispered
that the elder brother of Ira Warheld had mystic
riously disappeared and not without some suspi-
cou Of foul play the part Of the only person in
the world who had strong interest in his " taking
ON However these things might be, il was known
for certainty that Old Hurricane had an only
sister widowed, sick and poor, who with her son
dragged on wretched life of illrequited toll, Sc
privation and painful infrmty, in distant
city, unaided, unsought and uncared for by her
cruel brother.
1t was the night of the last day of October 1916
The evening had closed in very dark and gloomy
About dusk the wind arose in the northwest, driv
ing up masses Of leaden-hued clouds aud in few
minutes the ground covered deep with snow,
and the air filed with driving sleet
As this was All Halow Eve the dreadful ince-
mency of the weather did not prevent the negroes
OF Hurricane Hall from avaing themselves of their
capricious old masters permission and going of in
a body TO banjo breakdown held in the negro
quarters Of their next neighbor
Upon this evening, then, there was left at Hurri-
cane Hall only Major Warield, Mrs. Condment, his
little OH hou-ekeeper, and Wool, his body servant.
Early in the evening the old hall shut up
closely, TO keep out as much possible the sound
of the storm that roared through the mountain
chasms and cannonaded the walls Of the house as
il determined to force entrance. As soon as she
had that all was safe Mrs. Condiment went to
bed aud went to sleep.
1t was about ten oclock that night that Old Hur
ricane, 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 most comfortable bedroom. This
the hour of the contest enjoyment 10 the self indul
gent old Sybarite, who dearly loved bis own ease.
And indeed every means and appliance of bodily
comfort was at hand. Strong oakeD shutters and
thick, heavy curtains at the windows kept ont every
dealt of air, and deadened the sound of the wind
that its subdued moaning was just sufficient TO re-
mind one ofthe stormy weather without in contrast
to the bright warmth within. Old Hurricane, as
said, sat well wrapped up in his wadded dressing
gown, and reclining in his padded easy chair, with
his head thrown back and his feet upon the fire
irons, toasting his shns and slipping his punch On
his right hand stood little table with a lighted
MONS sugar. Holland gin &c, while on the hearth
sat kettle of boiling water to help replenish the
jug if needfu
On his left hand stood his coy bedstead with its
warm crimson curtains festooned back, revealing
the luxurious swell of the full feather bed and pill
lows with their snow white linen and lambswool
blankets inviting repose. Between this bedstead
and the corner of the fire place stood Old Hurri
canes ancient body servant Wool, engaged in
warming crimson cloth night cap.
Pools. muttered Old Hurricane over his punch
"acks! they'll all get the pegrsy except those that
"Ebery man, oman and chile, sarl--'cept It's me
and coachman, sar!'
more fools they! And shouldn't wonder if you,
you old scarecrow, didn't want 10 go tool"
mo, Marse--"
81 know better, sir don't contradict me! Well,
"a soon I'm in bed and that won't be long now,
you may go--so that you get back in time to wait
on me tomorrow mornng"
"Thanky Marse."
"Hold your tonguel You're as big fool as the
rest"
"Iiake this" said Old Hurricane, as he slipped
his punch and smacked his ps-"l take this 10 be
the very quintessence Of human enjoyment-sittng
here in my soft warm chair before the fire, toast
ing my legs, slipping my punch, listening on The
The other hand at my comfortable bed waiting
there to receive my sleepy head. II there is any
thing better than this in this world I wish some
body would let me know itn
ats all very comfortable indeed Marse" said
the obsequious Wool.
81 wonder now i there is anything on the face of
the earth that would tompt me TO leave my cozy
freside and go abroad Tonight I wonder how
large promise Of pleasure or profit or glory il
would take nowp
"Much as ebber Congress itsef could give If Il
give you pennance for all your sarvins, !" suggest
ed Wool.
eyes and more! for wouldn't leave my home
comforts tonight to ensure not only the pension
but the thanks of CongreS!" said the old man, re-
plenishing his glass with steaing punch, and drink
II OF leisurely.
The clock struck eleven. The old man again re-
plcnshed Ills class and while slipping its contents,
enid
"You may Gil the warming pan and warm my
bed, Wool! The fumes OF this fragrant punch is
beginning TO rise to my head and make me sleepy"
The servant filed the warming pan with glowing
cmbers shut down the lid and thrust it between
TIC shssts IL warm the couch Of this luxurious Qld