The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1898-10-29
CHAPTER VIII.

Squire Condit was out In his garden
looking over his fine array Of roses, now
showing their rare colors through the
bud tips, and filling 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 horseback
in those days.
Col. Graham and his servant had como
to the place on horseback, and left their
horses and all the burden Of pack an
imal, 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 off 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 old
house.
He does, sir, replied the Squire.
would you please tell me If he is
homer"
He is home, Colonel Graham" said
the squire, his voice tremulous, for he
recognized in the stranger the man who,
tws1ty-one years before had brought a
little boy to him, and, after giving him
into his care, suddenly took his depart
ure.
Hal you recognize me them" said
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,
h,,@
changed. Will you walk to the house
and be seated for bit?" said the Squire,
leading the way like a man who finds
duty compellineehim to disagreeable
task.
"I have official business with Captain
Fox, OF the cruiser Wanderer, now In
your harbor, and as my time Is limited,
] cannot make you a very long visit.
Would you do me the favor OF few
minutes private conversations 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, CHANGING 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 a man
much fatigued, Colonel Graham said:
You have often heard from me, but
presume you never expected to see me
again?"
Il 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. I
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, II
what have given is not enough.
Stop, Colonel Graham; ! will return
all you have given. and the interest
y
again." said the Squire, with much
spirit. ;,
Il can assure you, Mr.. Cendit, 1t is
her Majesty's business and not my own
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; but, being
here, / felt prompted to call on you
first, and |, armed how it Jared with the
10y / left in your hands twenty-one
years ago"
aAnd you have learned2'
Il heard that he was now capita oil
the volunteer cruiser Sea Hawk, fit e
out by he province OF New York for tbs
suppression OF piracy.