The Hazel Green herald. [volume] (Hazel Green, Wolfe County, Ky.) 1885-19??, 1891-05-22
copyrighted, 1891
CONTINUED
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER ii.
BLACKHAwK-A soLDIER-THE SURPRISE.
Luke Mason, as already told, had been
rescued when an infant from the river and
reared as the adopted son of Mr.. Nef' )
brother, who was childless. The brothers
had lived on adjoining farms until old Seth
Nefrs death, which occurred about two
years before the time of which we write.
Luke had grown up with Albert and Lille,
and his love for the latter began when they
were children attending the same district
school. Their affection had ripened, and
this year would have witnessed their union
but for the distressing state of the country.
When the lovers returned TO the house
they found the old farmer still sittingon the
porch, bathed in the moonlight.
"Wall, Luke, It's time ye war gone Z bed"
he said, with sigh. The old man still felt
sad. from parting with his son, whom he
knew he might never see again. Chow long
ar we gwine T. stayl'
~ leave in the morning."
"Why s. soonp
! "It's best"
The old man again gave utterance TO a
groan, and Luke leading Lille to the door,
babe her goodnight and promised TO see her
early in the morning Then he returned TO
Mr.. Neff, and, drawing a chair near to his
side, said:
"Mr. Neff, want those clews to my iden-
tity"
"What yer mean, Luker
81 mean the things which were found
about me when l was taken, like Moses,
from the water"
"Thar haint nuthin' left but the old wood
en- cradle up m tn attic, which guess yes
seen a hundred times, N the old yaller han
kercher."
LET me have the handkerchief, then it
will be some clew. l may by it discover
my parentage. Any way, 1T shall be a pre-
cious relic, with which will never part"
The old man rose and called TO negro
boy to bring him a lighted candle. The
sleepy darkoy soon complied, and, followed
by Luke, the farmer went to his private
room, where was an old-fashioned escri-
toire. He opened one of the drawers with
an assurance that secuted at any doubt of
the precious relic. But look of uneasi-
ness came over his face.
Ats gone" he said.
"Look well; 1t may have got in some other
nook" said Luke, eagerly
He did so. He went through drawer
after drawer, but at last, in despair, whis-
pered:
"It's stolen"
"Who did itp'
The farmer could give no satisfactory
answer. They searched every where that
IL could be possible for the missing relic
10 be, but Of no avail.
With an aching head and heart heavy
with disappointment, Luke Mason retired
to his bed that night; weary from travel he
at last fell asleep, despite his anxiety. He
seemed to have scarce lost consciousness,
and his mind had begun to wander amid
vague, misty dreams, when he was aroused
by q loud noise of confused voices in which
were mingled oaths, threats aud the plead
ings Of Mr.. Neff and his daughter.
"Shet up, old man; we hain't agwine ter
hurt you or yer gal; but We'll hang that ar
aberhtion IN spite o. hip growled heavy
voice. Luke, alarmed, sprang from his bed
and ran 10 the WINDOW. The front yard was
filed with armed men. Mr. Neff and Lille
both partially in night-clothes were in front
of the door.
'You shall not hurt him." cried the brave
girl. HE has not harmed you"
"But he's aberlition, gal, an we'll hans
i'm ur die. Haint ye Southern galp
~ am-my brother Is on his way to Join
Price, but you shall not harm a hair of his
head"
A loud shout Of disapproval went up at
this determined sentence. Cries of "1rar
down the do |" "Bu'n the housew and a
hundred other angry EXPLANATIONS drowned
the brave girls voice,
Luke was alarmed. The freedom with
which no had declared his Union senti-
ments at the last stage station had ruined
him. He now saw the folly of his coming
TO this neighborhood, especially from a free
soil State like Ohio. He was at loss what
TO do. as he was wholly unarmed and in
capable of making any defense. There came
rapid steps along the hall, the door was
pulled open, and voice whispered;
"Massa, Massa Lulkel'
Blackhawk, is 1t your he asked.
"Yes, massa; de berry debit am to play.
Secesh come to hang yer Come wild me,
am, by golly, III show ye how to git away
from 'em."
There was no time for hesitation, even for
thought He followed the negro out into
the hall, where Blackhawk thrust horse
pistolin his hand.
"Blow am ter dc debil Of um come" said
tho negro In whisper
"Where did you get thisif'
Nebber mind, massa-can't tell yer now,
come on. Ef yer gwine ter help free my
wife an little baby I'll help YER"
He led him down the stairs and they were
hastening out the rear way when white
rooed ngure nuddeniy ran down the hall