Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1894-04-26

matched by my own, think should
have turned back in despair before
meridian. Whether white or black
were inquired Of the general uncer-
tainty was the same. Some had heard
OF Mr.. Bostock; some had not. Of
those who had heard of him, some
thought he had been killed some way;
they could not tell how. Others
thought he had moved away some
where, they knew not where. Still
others there were who were sure that
Mr.. Bostock still lived on the big plan
tatiOn, but whether it was five miles
away or fifty, they had not least idea.
l can only guess how far | travelled
that day, advancing, retreating and
prospecting should presume about
forty miles. And I should say that the
~'great big house, about three miles
back from the river. with veranda
all round" where l halted at sunset,
was about half that distance from
Vicllsburg.
a negro came running down the
lane to me. NAUSEA say yo' come
right up" was his salutation.
/ dismounted and he took my mule.
] walked up the lawn. A fine-looling,
middle-aged planter, portly and pleas
ant. rose from q group of ladies sitting
on the verandS, and advanced with
extended hand.
Good evening, sir-good evening
Come right in. Have you come faro"
From Viclzsburg.'
well, we'll; you're tired and hungry.
Miranda, my dear, go tell Classy to
make some corn-pone and fry some
chicken for the gentleman. Sit down
here. sir; or you'd like to freshen up
after your hot ride. Randy, tell some
of the women to fix up chamber for
the gentleman. What news, strand
where are you from?''
The easy cordiality of the man,
mingled with a decided inquisitive-
ness, was something that had to be
known to be understood. AS he
escorted me up the broad steps l saw
numerous house servants, of varying
shades. peering around corners and
out of windows. Past corner of the
house | observed a great fiel d of cot
ton all ablown.
My wife and daughter, sir
The ladies bowed, and returned the
salutation.
81 am afraid 1 have made a mis-
take said. Il am looking for the
place of Mr.. Pierce Bostock'
He did live here. Two years ago
he removed to Louisiana. 1 bought
him ont
1 took the chair that was offered me,
and said, with the keenest disappoint-
ment:
my journey out here is to no pur-
pose. had better go back"
Not tonight" said the planter
srr1 -
Travellers don't get away from Alfred
DOrion as easy as that"
Il beg your pardon; that reminds
me that have not introduced myself
My name is Dorr Jewett. have come
from the north-from New Hamp-
shire
exclaimed. From New Hampshire"
Yes, SIR
And you know Mr.. Bostock?"
"Yes; he was friend of my father in
iboyhood. lie called at our home ten
years ago"
And you wrote him letter?-let's
isee-something more than five years
hgo?"
Il did; and he answered it. wrote
Hnother last year, which was not an
Swcred."
THAT one probably folio wed him to
Louisiana. I am not surprised that
NE did not answer it, if he received it.
but here's Classy, telling us your sup
per is ready. Go in and eat hearty:
q shall have something to tell you
Afterward.' -
My curiosity and interest were thor
5ughly aroused: but hunger makes
everything yield. did full justice to the
subs an ,ial meal set before me by the
Dld 9'eg Nanny" with great rings
In her ears and parti-colored turban
about her head. was exhausted with
the s,1r's ride, and still anxious to hear
what Mr.. Dorion had to tell me about
Bostock. But for awhile / had to sit
with the ladies in the parlor. They