Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1859-02-22

Hurricane Hall is largo old family
mansion, built of dark red sandstone, in
one of the lonliess and widest of the
mountain regions of Virginia.
The estate is surrounded on three sides
by range Of steep, gray rocks, spiked
with clumps of dark eyergreens, and
called, from It's horseshoe form, the Dew
lis Hoof.
On the fourth side the ground gradual
ly descends IN broken rock and barren
soil to the edge of the wild mountain
stream known as the Devils Run.
When storms and floods were high,
the loud roaring OF The wind through the
wild mountain gorges, and the terrific rag
ing of the torrent over It's rocky course,
gave 10 this savage locality its ilI-omeued
names of Devils Hoof, Devils Run, and
Hurricane Hall.
Major Ira Warfel1. the lonely prepri-
etor Of the Hall, was veteran officer,
who, In disgust al what be supposed 10 be
ill-reQuued services, had retired from
public life TO spend the evening of his
vigorous days on this his patrlmonlal es-
tate. Here he lived IN secluslon, with his
old-fashioned ouse-keeper, Mrs. Condi-
ment. aud his cid family servants and his
favorite dogs and horses. Here his
mornings were usually spent in the chase,
in which he exceIled, and his afternoons
and evenings were occupied IN small coh-
vivial suppers among his few chosen com
panions of the chase or the bottle.
In person Major Warfeld was tall and
strongly built, reminding one of some old
iron-lImbed Douglas of the olden time
His features were large and harsh his
complexion dark red, as that of one
brouzed by long exposure and flushed
with strong drink. HIS fierce dark grey
eyes were surInounted by thick, heavy
black brows, taat, when gathered into u
frown, reminded one of a thunder cloud
as the flashing orbs beneath them did of
lightning. His hard, harsh face was sur
rounded by thick growth of lron-grey
hair and beard that met beneath his chm.
His usual habit was a black cloth coat,
crimson vest, black leather breeches, long
black yarn stockings, fastened at the
knees, and morocco slippers with silver
buttons.
In character Major Warfeld was ar
rogai,t, donineering and violent-equaily
loved and feared by his faithful old tamI-
lv servants at home-d:slIked and dread
ed bv his neigtbors and acquaintances
abroad, who, partly from his house and
partly from his character. fixed uron him
the appropriate nickname of Old HurrI-
cane.
There was. however, other ground of
dislike besides that OF his arrogant mind,
violent temper and domlneerlng habits.
Old Hurricane was said 10 be an old
bachelor, vet rumor whispered thai there
was in some obscure part of the world,
hidden away from human sight, desert
ed wife and child, poor, folorn and heart
broken. IL was further whispered that
the elder brother of Ira Warheld had
mys,eriouslv disappeared, and not without
some suspicion of foul play on the part OF
the only persoa IN The world who had
strong interest Ia his :. taking oil. How
ever these things might be, 1t was known
for a certainty that Old Hurricane had
an only sister, widowed, sick and poor,
VINO with her son dragged out a llfe OF
ili-requitted toll, severe prlvauon and
painful lnfrmily, IN distant city, unaided
unsought and uncared for by her cruel
brother.
1t was the night of the last day of Oc-
tober, 1915. The evening had closed IN
very dark and gloomy. About dusk, the
wind arose in the northwest, driving uE
masses of leaden hued clouds, and IN q
few minutes the ground was covered deeE
with snow, and the air was filled with
driving sleet.
AS this was All Hailow Eve, the dread
full inclemency of the weather did no
prevent the negroes of Hurricane Hal
from availing themselves of their capri
cious old masters permission, and goins
off In a body to banjo breakdown held II
the negro quarters Of their next neigh
bor