The diamond drill., 1894-04-07
CHAPTER XII

Il 1IAi LII Ali
The two plantations, the large tract
adjoining Cullcn's and another on the
river, having been purchased by Pearce
Amerson after the execution of the
will, did not pass by IL, and TO that ex-
tent he had died intcstate. Dabney's
counsel had been for Cullen to apply
for letters of administration, although
knowing that, as the law prefers al
ways sole administration 10 joint,
much more to two divided and hostile,
| Wiley, II he should contest the applica-
tion, must prevail. In such event Dab
ney hoped for some result, IL no other
than increased evaporation of the
public mind by the way he meant TO
discuss his conduct In the courthouse
II he did not contest, IL would evince
fear. or at least sense of weakness
Then Ii would be we'll 20 make the
issue as distinct and as hostile as pos
siblc, so that people would think and
talk about IL freely. Already he had
alluded Co the will several times on the
streets, in the hearing of town and
county people, and been pleased at the
sight OF their Indignation. He was not
lawyer OF distinguished ability, but
he was studious, courageous, vigilant
and entirely honorable. Cullen, be-
cause of his affection for Wiley's wife,
had resolved TO make no public move
ment during the remainder of her life,
which he foresaw must be brief. His
lawyer. when not occupied with the af-
fairs of other clients, went upon what
deer-ah ooters call still-hunts, wherein,
without the sound of halloo and hound,
quarries may sometimes be stolen
upon. Cullen's death intensified his
interest IN the case. lie did not ask OF
himself all the reasons. One day,
thinking what sort of man Gus Rach
els was, he went into the big Indian"
The owner being alone, he said to him:
~Gus, I'm sure you pitied Cullen
Amerson In being put out In the cold
by his father, and that you sympathize
with the widow and child. II occurred
TO me that occasionally, between
cups, as they say, you might hear
things that 1t would be worth while TO
make note Of II you do"
"Mr. Dabney," with cold, quick in
Serruption, he answered, ~ don't
think it's my business 20 try and pump
people that takes drinlss ut my coun-
ter. rather feel like it's my duty 20
try and protect 'em ag'in' bcin' hauled
up for what they thoughtless might
say whcr taking Of my drinks. Yit,
II anything happen that ! can help
Hannah, that her mother Is my own
dear cousin, in way that's perfect
fair and honor'ble, I'll let you know.
I'm jest as sorry for Hannah as can
be, and my opinion OF Wiley Amerson
| is that he's the crowdlnest man on
them thatll let him they Is In the
whole Of Bald'ln county. IL anything
happen 10 IInnnah's advantage In q
way that's fair and honor'ble, I'll let
you know about II. But my advice 20
you would bc 60 study up Owen Car
ruthers, that know more of Wiley Am
crson's business than any other man,
either In the town or In the county,
Little account II owen be In gen'il,
he's one not To talk ng'in' anybody,
special them as has been good TO him,
and he have Co be squeezed like body
have TO squeeze o red grasshopper TO
gct the molaSsos out of him. Yit, when
he answers at all, he answers the
truth, nigh as he can come at H."
"Thank you, Gus; although didn't
come in for that purpose, believe I'll
take julep."
Don't you talte Il without you feel
like II, Mr. Dabney."
why, Of course ] feel like II, or
wouldn't hayo asked for II. What do
you mcan2"
Nothing, Mr.. Dnbncy, exccptin' OF
don't want TO be paid for what little
help can be TO Hannah"
Come, now, Gus, don't misunder-
stand mo, Don't make the julep ifyou
think I'm trying TO buy you. Really, I
don't care for it but, as happened to
be In here, thought I'd take II. I've
got enough confidence IN you 10 bo-
love that II would take nothing he.
yond your sonsc OF right 10 mako you
willing 10 help anybody that you be-
Hove Co have been wrongcd,"
~ beg your pardon, Mr.. Dabney."
Then, taking especial pains, he made
up as uice a thing OF that sort as a
man ever drank In that or any other
county,
On Tuesday OF tho following week,
In tho Southern Recorder, Milledgc-
Vile weekly newspaper, appeared ap-
plications by Hannah ANDERSON for
letierA OF guardianship OF her son
Pcarco. and for similar OF admlnistra-
tion de bonis non (as such matters are
styled In tho lawl on the estate OF
Pcarcc Amcrson. lately deceased. When
these were noticed by Wiley Amerson,
hc smiled with some scorn. AiteF road
log them again and again, ho blamed
himself for not sooner going % Han
nah. This he would have done but for
supposing she preferred he should keep
away until after n decent interval. 10
his calculations about her, marriage
had been Rivon not much thought,
mostly because he did not regard Il as
necessary. and partly because of the
cnculnhranco Of her child. who somc
day would become man. Not doubt