The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-02-17

Devils Hoof, Devils Run and Hurricane
Hall.
Major Ira Warfeld, the lonely proprietor
OF the Hall, was veteran officer, who, in
disgust at what be supposed TO be ill-requit-
ed services, had retired from public life to
spend the evening Of his vigorous age on
this his patrimonial estate. Here be lived
in seclusion, with his old fashioned house
keeper, Mrs. Condiment, and bis old family
servants and his favorite dogs and horses.
Here his mornings were usually spent in the
chase, in which be excelled, and his after
moons and evenings were occupied in small
convivial suppers among his few chosen
companions Of the chase or the bottle.
In person Major Wsrfs!d was tall and
strongly built, reminding one Of some old
iron-limbed Douglas OF the Olden time. His
features were large and harsh his com
plexion dark red, az that of one bronzed by
long exposure and flushed with strong drink.
his fierce, dark grey eyes were surmOunted
by thick, heavy black brows that, when
gathered into frown, reminded one Of
thunder cloud, as the flashing orbs beneath
them did Of lightning. lis hard, harsh face
was surrounded by thick growth Of IRON
gray hair and beard that met beneath his
chin. His usual habit was black cloth
coat crimson vest, black leather brooches,
long black yarn stockings, fastened at the
knees, and morocco slippers with silver but,
tons.
In character Major Warfeld was AFRO
giant, domineering and violent, equally loved
and feared by his faithful old family servants
at home-dislked and dreaded by bis neigh.
bors and acquaintance abroad, who, partly
from his house and partly from his charac-
ter, fixed upon him the appropriate name Of
OLD HURRICANE.
There was, however, other ground OF dis
like besides that Of his arrogant mind, VIC.
lent temper and domineering 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 had child,
poor, forlorn aud heartbroken. 1t was fur.
Their whispered that the elder brother of
Ira Warfield had mysteriously disappeared,
and not without some suspicion of foul play
on the part of the only person in the world
who had strong interest in his taking
off," However these things might BE-, it
was known for certainty that Old Hurri.
cane had an only sister, widowed. sick and
poor, who with her son dragged on wretch
cd life OF ilLrequited toll, severe privation
and painful infrmity, in distant city, un.
aided, unsought and uncared for by her
cruel brother.
1t was the night of the last day Of Octo.
Der, 1854. The evening had closed in very
dark and gloomy. About dusk the wind
arose in the northwest, driving up masses of
leaden huod clouds, and in few minutes the
ground was covered deep with snow, and the
air was filled with driving sleet.
AS this was All-llallow Eve, the dread
tul inclemency OF the weather did not pre-
vent the negroes of Hurricane Hall from
awaiting themselves OF their capricious old
masters permission. and going of in a
body to a banjo breakdown held in the ne
gro quarters Of their rext neighbor.
Upon this evening, then, there was left at
Hurricane Hall only Major Warfeld. Mrs.
Condiment, his little old housekeeper, and
Wool, his bod y servant.
Early in the evening the old hall was shut
up closely, to keep out as much as possible
the sound of the storm that roared through
the mountain chasms and cannonaded the
walls Of the house IA If determined to force
an entrance. As soon as she had seen that
all was safe Mrs. Condment went to bed
and went TO sleep.
II was about ten O'Clock that night that
Cd Hurricane. well wrapped up in his
quilted flannel dressing gown, sa, in his well
padded easy chair before a warm and bright
tre, taking his own comfort in his own most
comfortable bedroom. This was the hour
Of the cozlest enjoyment to the selfindnlgcnt
old Sybarite, who dearly loved his own ease.
Very comfortable was Old hurricane: and
rs BE- toasted hls feet aud slipped his punch,
while his black servant, Wool, applied the
warming pan to his coy couch he fairly
Rugged himself for enjoyment and declared
that nothing under heaven would or could
tempt him to leave that room and that house
aud 30 cut into that storm on that night.
just as he had come To this emphatic deter
mna,on he was startled by violent ringing
OF the door-bell. Ordering Wool to e. and
himself in his sleeping habilmcn,s and
jumped into bad, determined not 10 be in
,ruded upon, or to be called out OF his room
on any account whatever.
At this moment Wool reappoartd.
Shut the door. you villain Do You in-
tend to stand there holding il open on me
all night 2 vociierated the old man.
Wool hastily closed the offending portals,
and hurried Ia his masters side.
Wen, sir who was Il rung the bells"
a. ar he Reverend Mr.. Parson Goodwin.
and he say how he mus, see You yourset
personally. alone
See me, you villain Didn't you tell bin
that had retired ."
Yes, Marse, tell him how you were
gone 10 bed and asleep morne'n an hour ago.
aud BE- ordered ME 10 come walk YOU up.
ard say how it wen matte, o. lie and
death go
Life and DEATH What have | 10 30
with lie aud death | won't stir, II the
parson wants 10 see ME be vii have to come
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