The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-11-25
CHAPTER VIII.

man.
CHAPTER VIII.
COL GRAHAM VISITS CAPT FOX
Squire Condit was out in his garden
looking over his fine array Of roses. now
showing their rare colors through the
bud tips, and filing the air with their
first delicious odor, when he saw the
gray-haired, soldierly looking man up.
preaching, with his servant just behind
him, as was the custom OF gentlemen
making a journey on foot or horsebacs
in those days.
Col. Graham and his servant had come
to the place on horseback, and left their
horses and all the burden Of pack an.
tmal, the big saddle-bags excepted, at
the Kings Arms, the principal inn OF
the place.
SQUIRE Condit, seeing the stranger
entering at the front gate, took of his
hat and advanced to meet him.
Does Squire Goodwill Condit live
here?" asked Colonel Graham, touching
his hat, and letting his hand drop in
the direction Of the cosy, rambling Ole
house.
"He does, sir" replied the Squire.
Would you please tell me If he 10
homer" -,
He is home, Colonel Graham" said
the squire, his voice tremulous, for ne
recoenized in the stranger the man who.
twenty.one years before had brought
little boy to him, and, after giving him
into his care, suddenly took his depart
ure.
"Ha! you recognize me then?' @aid
the Colonel, extending his hand, mo.
ton which the Squire could not have
seen, for he made no effort to meet the
salutation in like manner.
Il do; your hair has become white,
but your eyes and voice have not
changed. Will you walk to the house
and be seated for bit?" said the Squire,
leading the way, like a man who finds
duty compelling him to a disagreeable
task.
Il have official business with Captain
Fox, OF the cruiser Wanderer, now in
your harbor, and as my time is limited,
I cannot make you very long visit
Would you do me the favor Of few
minutes private conversation? ! hope
to give you more time hereafter.
Certainly" replied the Squire, and
motioning to the black man to remain
seated on the wide porch, he led Colo
mel Graham to the apartment where he
presided as magistrate when the differ
ences of the settlers were submitted to
his Judgment.
Can we speak here without fear OF
being overheard" asked Colonel Gra-
ham, glancing about him before taking
the chair on which his white right hand
rested.
I'VE can, SIR" was the answer.
Sitting down, with the air Of man
much fatigued, Colonel Graham said; ,
You have often heard from me, but
presume you never expected to see me
again?"
L have heard from you, and have
at interest every dollar you ever sent
to me for the care Of the boy, whose
name you told me was Ralph Denham;
but, as to expecting to see you again. l
must confess ! did not, for we do not
voluntarily expect what we do not wish
for"
Without appearing to notice the
bluntness of the Squire's speech, Colonel
Graham went on. and there was in his
voice and manner something that told
he was conscious Of his own superiority
and could not permit himself to be an
noyed by an inferior.
Il do not come to trouble you now; )
desire to compensate you further, i
what have given is not enough.
stop, Colonel Graham: l will return
all you have given, and the interest
also, if you never show your face here
again." said the Squire, with much
spirit
IT can assure you, Mr.. Condit, it ie
-; 49,, b,,, nd of N
inclination that brings me to America.
Strangely enough, the arrival OF the
Wanderer, or rather her being ordered
here, is the reason for my coming. My
real object is to see Captain Fox and
give him further instructions; out, being
here, l felt prompted to csll on you
first, and learned how it Jared with the
boy left in your hands twenty-one
years ago."
And you have learned?"
Il heard that he was now captain OF
the volunteer cruiser Sea Hawk, fitted
out by the province OF New York for the
suppression OF piracy"
You were rightly informed; there is
not q more able or gallant officer on the
ocean than Ralph Denham, il I do say
it. But do you propose to tell MIN all
about the past?"
What have you told him."
Nothing"
Has he never inquired about his
parents?"
Never; he seems to dread the sub
ject. If there is anything that you can
tell him to increase his happiness, do so;
If not, keep away from him, said the
Squire, with much force.
Il could tell him that that might make
him miserable all his life, and if you do
not aid me in certain matter it will be
necessary for me to do se." 80.